The most simple way to know whether your drums are tuned is by using your personal judgment. In other words, if you like the sound, then it is tuned. Your personal taste is most important. But with that said, when it comes to tuning a conga set, many players use interval tuning. Why? Simply because they like that sound and/or because it best harmonizes with other instruments in their band. Harmonizing the drums by tuning each drum to a certain pitch and certain interval in relation to the other drums is interval tuning (more about interval tuning below). Before you consider interval tuning here are some tips for tuning.

General Conga Tips

Tip: To help keep the head evenly stretched and balanced turn each the nut the same amount

Tip: In turning each nut you can go around the drum in circular direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) or in a star pattern. So players prefer the star pattern others circular pattern. Both work, especiall if the nuts are turns the same or just about the same amount.

Tip: When tuning, after you turn a nut play a slap, open and/or bass to hear any change in sound; and determine if that's the sound you want.

Tip: As the head gets tight make a fist and use the side of your fist (not your knuckles) to bang on the center of the head. This helps to settle the head, rim and lugs. You might hear a crackle or popping sound when you do this. That is normal. You do not need to bang with all your might; firm strikes should do; always use common sense.

Tip: Once a lug is very tight, don't force it. If the lugs are tight and you aren't satisfied with the sound, then it's better to loosen and adjust than the force it. If the nuts are turned the same amount you usually will find the tuning you want without too much adjustments.

Tip: Sometimes a lug can be loosened (i.e. 1/4 or 1/2 a turn) rather than tightened to achieve the tone and resonance you want.

Tip: Good tuning will allow the conga head to vibrate (like a tight string) and the drum shell to serve as a chamber which resonates.

Tip: if you want a particular pitch use a tuner to measure. Along with dedicated tuners, there are tuner apps available for smart phones.

Tip: There are a many enjoyable tuning combinations for congas, bongos & other hand drums. So, play around and enjoy the sounds!

Q: Should I use interval tuning for my conga set?

What is an interval?

An interval is the distance between notes. The smallest interval in Western music is a 1/2 step. The distance between C & C# or E & F is 1/2 step or 1/2 an interval; the distance between C & D is 1 step or a whole interval. The distance between C & D# is 1 1/2 steps or 3, half steps. The distance between C & E is 2 whole steps; & so on.

What is common practice by congueros?

Many advanced conga players tune their drums according to intervals. Mongo Santa Maria was and Poncho Sanchez is known for tuning their congas to an inverted C Major Chord: E-G-C (from lowest to highest - E is the note for the tumba or largest drum in set & C the note for quinto or smallest drum in set)

Below is information about the C Major Chord and a video by Poncho in which he shows how he typically tunes:

E-G-C is an inverted C major chord. and is called the first inversion of the C major chord
The C major chord is comprised of the C-E-G (I-III-V notes of the major scale)
Even if you change the order of those notes it is still a C major chord
When you change the order it is called an inverted chord
Poncho & Mongo's tuning makes excellent harmonies, but it's not the only option; many other players & professionals use other tunings, so personal preference and context are still important factors

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