Cajón

History

The Cajón originated from Peru, deriving its name from the Spanish word for "box." In the early 18th century, during Spanish colonization, one of the harshest periods for the Peruvian people ensued, as the colonizers severely restricted their freedoms. Among these restrictions was a ban on playing any musical instruments, especially those associated with the colonizers themselves.

Despite these constraints, music remained an integral part of Peruvian life. To circumvent the ban, ingenious musicians crafted a solution by repurposing unused wood into a box-shaped instrument, the cajón. This design was strategic: its shape allowed it to be used as a seat, thus disguising its true purpose as a musical instrument. This not only enabled the Peruvians to continue their musical traditions but also reduced the risk of being caught by the Spanish authorities. I’m sure that we, as Iranian people, can completely understand from the bottom of our hearts with such situations and limitations of freedom.

They banned an instrument! We will create another one… Yes! ART means tireless creation.

The cajón, a hollow, box-shaped Latin percussion instrument, has been part of music for centuries but has become globally popular in recent decades. The cajón’s body is crafted from wood and comprises six sides. Traditional cajóns are made from dense hardwoods like beech, birch, mahogany, and oak, which produce a rich bass sound. The tapa is usually plywood, enhancing the instrument's crisp, high tones. Modern cajóns also utilize materials like plastic and fiberglass for more excellent durability and volume, though these materials slightly alter the sound.

The non-playing sides (of course, we play on this side as well) use 3/4-inch-thick hardwood, and the front, or "tapa," used for striking, is thinner at 1/8 inch. The instrument features a sound hole for amplification, whose placement varies by manufacturer to affect the sound quality.

‍

Learning Path

Fundamental Techniques

Although after mastering the instrument, we can create a myriad of strokes, the three basic ones are Bass stroke, Slap stroke, and High-Tone stroke. We can learn them in less than four sessions, but mastering them requires practice at home.

Rhythmic Patterns  

Once you've mastered the strokes, we'll fundamentally explore the joy of playing with music. This experience can be incredibly motivating and uplifting, sparking a newfound passion for your learning. Together, we'll explore a variety of grooves while enjoying the playback music.

Performance Mastery

You will engage in both solo and ensemble settings and start to create even new sounds with the instruments; you may use your legs as a sordid (muting) device and your hand fingers to create more nuanced sounds. I'm with you in every stage; you can count on me as your instructor and your groupmate

‍