Using A Cajon As A Drumset, by Mona Tavakoli! 🥁 (Grooves and Fills Lesson)

Mona Tavakoli is a Los Angeles-based drummer and percussionist known for her dynamic performances and innovative style. In this lesson she uses a cajon as a drumset, breaking down some basic and latin drum set grooves on the cajon, and takes the cajon further than what is expected!

ABOUT MONA TAVAKOLI
She is a co-founder of the band Raining Jane and is recognized for her work with artists like Jason Mraz, with whom she has toured extensively. Mona is also known for her expertise on the cajon, often incorporating it into her performances in unique and creative ways. Beyond performing, she is a passionate advocate for music education and frequently conducts workshops and clinics to inspire the next generation of musicians.

CAJON, YOU SAY?
A cajon is a box-shaped percussion instrument from Peru, made from wood and played by striking the front or rear faces with the hands or sticks. It produces a range of sounds, from deep bass to sharp slaps, and is used in various musical styles like flamenco and pop. Often, it has internal snare wires for a buzzing effect, making it popular in acoustic and street performances.

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[WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Nice job demonstrating some of the cajon techniques that can provide more options for percussionists who want to emulate drumset patterns and sounds.

[braulio]

Btw the cricket is a classic technique here in Peru when you play peruvian cajon

[AlainVitela]

I began playing Cajón in Perú in 1974. I believe the "Cricket", as it is called in this video, was one of the first things I learned to do as a 7 year old. The Cajón is not a replacement for a drum set, although there is certainly some overlap. To approach this instrument in this manner is much like approaching the guitar as a bass guitar. I can certainly see some applications for this specially when performing solos during a show, but not to constantly replace the drum set. It would simply overlook the importance of the Cajón as a unique instrument and its idiophonic qualities. One would also miss out on the Cajón's fundamental purpose, to be used as a syncopation rhythm compliment to other instruments in the band.

[JuanCarlosMelian]

With my respect, humility is always a good thing. What you call "cricket" is a very old trick that we use in Spain and quite sure in Peru too, long before you played a cajon for the first time. As I believe, you are living in L.A. so you probably know Diego Alvarez "El Negro". He know very well the tradition and all about old school and modern cajon. A little more respect for the Maestros. Best Regards

[walther]

That is so cool... I’m a drummer and woodworker and this is a great way to blend the two disciplines

[JamieRowlandthejamieusrowlando]

Very good, but the real question is:
Can you use a Drumset as a Cajon?

[rosslmccallum]

This video is back!! Love her playing and personality.

[tasification]

Just bought a cajon and already using her technique, adds so much to my playing so thank you Mona Tavakoli!!

[martingerup]

As a musicteacher I am looking for ways to get the size and the volume down in my music room. This talk helps me a lot. Thanks to all you guys and girls out there sharing your playing sessions with us :-)

[hypocriteorchestra]

This is great, but you didn't invent the"cricket"... Spanish and Peruvian percussionist have been using it for a really long time. Those interested check out "Ojos de Brujo" to hear examples...

[CajonMaster]

Nice one! Thanks for sharing this Cajon perspective as a drumset. Love it!

[modernmusicstudio]

Great job showing how diverse the sounds on a cajon can be!

[collector]

I've been doing what you call the cricket since before you were born!

[totogroove]

A nerdish remark: When you play traditional grip with both hands at the same time, you play matched grip.

[eliminshrintar]

But what if I don't want to play the cajon, dude?

[OfficialJMusic]

Mona is just THE BOMB. Just exudes joy and happiness and is a killer percussionist and drummer.

[drummercubs]

Both of these artists have a tremendous amount of musicality. Love the grooves and feels and Mona demonstrated some innovative Cajon playing. Love the "cricket". Great work !!!!

[jerrymckenzie]

I saw her live on a Jason Mraz tour and she was a STAR.

[GabrielGarcia-nbzp]

a particular tone i started doing on cajon is hitting the sides of the cajon with my knuckles to have a different timbre. Depends on the cajon but trying and see what you think

[awesomenes]

That first slap on the cajon sounded like a legit snare drum honestly