Get to Know the Cajon

One of the most popular percussion items on the street, in studio and on stage is the cajon. But what actually is a cajon and where did it come from? A cajon is a six sided instrument that typically is played by the musician hitting the instrument with their hands and sitting on top of it. However, they have been known to be hit with drumsticks, mallets and even kick drum pedals.

History

The term cajon is Spanish for the word box,crate, drawer and even coffin. The instrument has been seen throughout many continents and cultures. The instrument was born in the 18th century because drums were banned in Peru during this time. The higher ups felt that drums threatened the region. Soon enough after the ban, places in began seeing the rise in crates, drawers, and sides of wardrobes being used as drums by slaves. The Peruvian cajon is what most people imagine a cajon being. It is a six sided instrument with a cutout sound hole in the back panel. The sound is dry, the tone brings some bass and is primarily used as an accompaniment instrument.

Types of Cajons

Each country has adapted their own version of the cajon, so there are tons of different variations. We have broken down some of the most popular versions that we have seen throughout the industry.

Peruvian Cajon — The Peruvian cajon is considered to be the first ever cajon inspired by shipping crates that were turned into drums by African slave musicians in the 18th century. The have no snare system, and the corners of the instrument are sealed. They are six sided with a sound hole in the back of the instrument.

Flamenco Cajon — After two musicians returned to Spain from their trip to Peru, they adapted what is now known as the Flamenco Cajon. This cajon has guitar strings at the back of the playing surface giving it that typical Flamenco sound.

Snare Cajon — The snare cajon is known as the odern version of the cajon, and has been created to accent the kick and snare sound that the cajon provides. Unlike the Flamenco Cajon, the snare cajon has actual snare wires inside of the instrument giving it the sound of a snare.

Cuban Cajon — The cuban cajon is a five sided cajon that is played much like a conga drum. It has a more open sound and there are no snares. They are known to be used in Afro-Cuban music.

Do you play the cajon? What’s your favorite brand/type of cajon? We would love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below!

Info from Drum! Magazine & BuyCajons.org