I tried but I couldn't keep count. How many times do your hands strike the drum in a one hour drum circle, hundreds, a thousand, more then a thousand? I don't know, but I do know if not done correctly and with precaution it can result in painfull, swollen or even bloodied hands. It is not unusual for new passionate drummers caught up in a driving rhythm to find their drum skin marked with blood spots. Hand drumming doesn't have to be painfull. It can actually be quite pleasurable if you take a few percautions.

For starters remove any rings from your fingers. Rings can cut circulation, cause pain on their own and damage the drum head. another thing to keep in mind is raising your thumbs up slightly to avoid hitting the rim or edge of the drum. The thumb should only be used on bass notes that are achieved by using the whole hand in the center of the drum This is somewhat different in bongo playing where the thumb is placed on the drum head to modulate tones.

Rahsaan Benjamin, Master Drummer "Percussionists who play hand drums, find a special pleasure in the sensation of "skin on skin". Part of the joy of drumming lies in this contact. A big reason is that our skin is our largest sensory organ. The skin is part of the integumentary system, which also includes hair and nails, eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The world is perceived by means of electrical impulses sent to the brain through these sense organs. If a percussionist's hands receive impulses through dry, cracked or split skin, the sensation perceived will be pain! Infection of the tissue in the hands may occur. The discomfort brought on by this condition may make it difficult to play with a wide variety of strokes or with much volume.

Protect hands by taking steps to avoid these problems. When using soaps, cleaners or chemical agents that cause dryness, wear protective gloves. Minimize contact with these products either by careful handling or choose products which are gentler on the hands. A glycerin-based soap or one without added dyes or perfumes is a good choice. For sensitive hands, try Dr.Tichenor's soap, found at most health supply stores.

Use humectants and lubricants, (lotions or oils), regularly. Massage liberally and thoroughly into the skin after showers, dishwashing or just prior to playing. Royal Six (found at most drugstores and at Sally's Beauty Supply), is rich with six natural oils.

Study hand technique. It should never hurt to play. Keep in mind that no matter how many or which instruments we play; our hands are our most important physical gear. Respect and treat your hands well. The beauty, the message and the fun of playing depends on them."

Professional and avid drummers develop calluses that help protect the skin in most situations; however in dry cold air the calluses can crack while playing.  This causes painful splits not unlike paper cuts.  Prior to playing Rubbing in liberal amounts of a hand cream that does not contain alcohol will keep the calluses from cracking. When using hand cream don't forget to rub a little into your natural skin drum head. This can improve the sound and life of your drum skin.

As the temperature approach 50 degrees all bets are off. You will find professional hand drummers using a waterproof tape on their fingers to keep their calluses from cracking. If your fingers are sore or have split skin you might want to try taping them. When taping make sure the tape on the part of your fingers that comes in contact with the drum does not have any wrinkles in it.

F.L.