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: If the diameter of the head is 9.5" or larger, then tune all the lugs in a star pattern. Personally, I prefer the star pattern as compared to tuning in a circle (clock-wise or counter clock-wise) because I find the star pattern stretches the head most evenly. With that said, many congueros simple tune clock-wise or counter clock-wise. (For small heads, such as on bongos I tune clock-wise or counter clock-wise.)

Tip: Right after you turn each lug, play a slap, open and/or bass tone 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, but the part beside your pinky) to bang on the center of the head. This helps to settle the head, rims and lugs. You might hear a crackle or popping sound when you do this. That is normal. You don't need to bang with all your might - firm taps should do; always use common sense and wise judgment.

Tip: While you are tuning the drum observe the tightness of the lugs and head. Once the lugs are tight you don't want to tighten any more. That is, never force the lugs. If they are tight and you aren't satisfied with the sound, it's best to loosen a little and try again.

Tip: Depending on how loose each lug is, you may need to turn a given lug as little as 1/4 of a turn or as much as many turns. But it is best to turn each lug the same amount. You can observe the threads on the lugs to check if each lug is turned the same amount.

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 to resonate.

Tip: There are a many enjoyable tuning combinations for congas, bongos & other hand drums. So, play around and enjoy the world of 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. Poncho Sanchez and Mongo Santa Maria are known for tuning their congas to E-G-C (from lowest to highest; E is the tuning of the tumba and high C the tuning of the quinto.) E-G-C is an inverted C major chord. C major is comprised of the C-E-G (I-III-V) notes and E-G-C (III-V-I) IS the first inversion of the C major chord. This is an excellent harmony, but it's not the only option. Many other professionals use other intervals and tunings.

Tip: Interval tuning is an effective way to harmonize the drums, but it's not your only option. The most important thing is to like how they sound individually, together and with other instruments, if applicable.

Tip: For interval tuning experiment with a Jazzy harmony such as RE-SO-DO (II-V-VIII); or tune to a blues or rock harmony, FA-SO-DO (IV-V-VIII); or to Mongo and Poncho's Latin Jazz harmony (III-V-VIII).

Tip: Play around with different tunings. Experience various options so you can compare and learn what you like best.

Bongo Drum Tuning

Conga Drums

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