Cara Memainkan Rebana

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline! In this journal article, we will discuss the traditional percussion instrument known as rebana, and how to play it. Rebana is a popular musical instrument in Indonesia, often played in religious ceremonies, cultural events, and other celebrations. This article is intended to provide a comprehensive guide on playing the rebana.

History of Rebana

Rebana is believed to have originated from the Middle East, and has been introduced to Indonesia since the 14th century. It is also called “kendang Arab,” which means “Arab drum” in Indonesian. Rebana has been integrated into Indonesian culture, and has become a popular musical instrument, especially in the Islamic community.

Rebana has many variations, including the smaller rebana ketimpring, the bigger rebana jidor, and the double-sided rebana banten. Each variation has a different function and is commonly played in various regions in Indonesia.

Parts of Rebana

Before we learn how to play the rebana, let’s get to know the parts of the instrument. The rebana consists of several parts, including:

Parts	Description
Body	The main part of the rebana, usually made of wood, and covered with animal skin.
Head	The animal skin that covers the top of the body, and is used to produce sound.
Rim	The outer edge of the head, usually made of wood or metal, and is used to hold the head in place.
Straps	The straps that are used to hold the rebana, usually made of cloth or leather.

Tuning the Rebana

Before we start playing, we need to tune the rebana first. Tuning the rebana is crucial, as it affects the sound quality and pitch of the instrument. There are several ways to tune the rebana, but the most common method is by using a tuning fork or other reference pitch.

First, tighten the straps of the rebana, and place it horizontally on a flat surface. Then, tap the head of the rebana gently with a mallet or your hand. Listen to the sound carefully, and adjust the tension of the head until it produces the desired pitch. Repeat the process for the other side of the rebana if it is a double-sided one.

Playing the Rebana

Now, let’s get to the fun part – playing the rebana! The technique of playing the rebana may vary depending on the region and the purpose of the performance. However, there are some basic steps and techniques that are commonly used in playing the rebana.

Step 1 – Holding the Rebana

Hold the rebana with your left hand, and adjust the angle of the rebana to your comfort. Use your right hand to play the head of the rebana, and adjust the position and angle of your hand to produce different sounds.

Step 2 – Striking the Rebana

There are several ways to strike the rebana, depending on the desired sound and rhythm. You can use your fingertips, palm, or a mallet to strike the head of the rebana. The stronger the strike, the louder the sound produced.

Step 3 – Producing Rhythms

The rebana is commonly used to produce simple rhythms, usually in 4/4 or 6/8 time signature. Here are some examples of rhythms that can be played on the rebana:

Rhythm 1 – Dangdut

Dangdut is a popular music genre in Indonesia, and the rebana is often played in dangdut performances. To play dangdut rhythm on the rebana, strike the head of the rebana alternately with your fingertips or palm, with the following pattern:

Beat	Sound
1	Right Hand
2	Left Hand
3	Right Hand
4	Left Hand

Rhythm 2 – Qasidah

Qasidah is a traditional Islamic music genre that uses the rebana as the primary percussion instrument. To play qasidah rhythm on the rebana, strike the head of the rebana alternately with your palm or a mallet, with the following pattern:

Beat	Sound
1	Right Hand
2	Left Hand
3	Right Hand
4	Left Hand
5	Right Hand
6	Left Hand

FAQ

1. Can rebana be played solo?

Yes, rebana can be played solo, but it is often played in a group or ensemble setting, as it complements other instruments and vocals.

2. What are the benefits of playing rebana?

Playing rebana can improve hand-eye coordination, rhythm sense, and social interaction, as it is often played in a group setting.

3. Is rebana difficult to play?

Like any musical instrument, playing the rebana requires practice and dedication. However, with proper guidance and consistent practice, anyone can learn to play the rebana.

4. Can rebana be played in non-religious events?

Yes, rebana can be played in various events, including weddings, cultural festivals, and other celebrations. It is a versatile instrument that can complement various musical genres.

5. What is the difference between rebana and other percussion instruments?

Rebana has a unique sound and tone, different from other percussion instruments such as drums, tambourines, or xylophones. It has a distinct cultural and religious significance, and is often played in traditional and Islamic events.

There you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to play rebana. We hope this article provides valuable information for you to start playing and enjoying the beautiful sound of the rebana.

Cara Memainkan Rebana