Great Songs for Playing Bongos
Learn to Play Bongó

Introduction to Bongo Playing

Bongo playing is an exhilarating experience that combines rhythm, melody, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned percussionist, selecting the right songs is crucial for an enjoyable and rewarding bongo playing session.

Also, songs are the mean to put into practice everything you learn to play in the bongo and develop your own voice as a percussionist.

Why Choosing the Right Songs Matter

The choice of songs significantly impacts your bongo playing experience. The right selection can enhance your skills, inspire creativity, and provide a sense of cultural connection.

Also it’s very important to find songs that match your skills, so you can play them without getting frustrated with any hand technique or rhythm issues that may arise.

Tips for Selecting Bongo Songs

When choosing bongo songs, consider factors such as rhythm complexity, tempo variations, and melodic structure. Experiment with diverse styles to expand your repertoire and improve your playing skills.

Rhythm and Tempo Considerations

Select songs with clear rhythmic patterns and manageable tempos to build confidence and proficiency in bongo playing.

Again if you are just starting to play bongos keep it simple. For doing that just look for simple pop or rock songs to play with the bongos. The rhythms played on those types of songs are the easiest ones to follow by beginner bongo players.

Additionally, try to look for songs played at a “Friendly” tempo, what I mean is neither too slow nor too fast. Medium tempo songs are the ideal for beginners, so look for songs between 90bpm and 200 bpm to play with the bongos.

Melodic Complexity

Explore songs with melodic complexity to challenge yourself and enhance your musicality. Look for compositions that feature interesting rhythmic accents and syncopated beats.

However, if you’re a beginner bongo player avoid going through complex songs because it’s more possible to get lost in them. To have a stimulating and effective playing experience you must be able to understand and decode the musical information of the song you´re playing. By doing that you´re going to ensure a better interaction between the music you play in the bongo and the song.

Great Songs to play on the Bongo

In here, you´re going to find a selection of songs that you can play in the bongo, both if you start from scratch with the drum or if you have some experience playing it.

All of the songs selected for this list are part of the learning materials I use in my online bongo classes with my student.

In the videos I use a friendly approach to help viewers to achieve to play the songs thorough and easy and simple step by step process.

Also the list covers a wide range of music style from latin to funk music, including also pop and rock, among others.

I hope you enjoy playing the bongo with them!

Easy Songs to play on the Bongo (Beginners Level)

Great songs to play in the Bongo, September by Earth, Wind & Fire

Great songs to play bongo!, And I love her by the Beatles

Great songs to play bongo!, You´re gonna lose that girl by the Beatles

Songs to play on the Bongo (Intermediate level)

Great songs to play bongo!, Mission Impossible song

Great songs to play bongo!, Vivir sin Aire by Maná

Great songs to play in the Bongo, Fantasy by EWF

Great songs to play bongo!, Chan Chan, by Buena Vista Social Club

Great songs to play bongo!, Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate

FAQ - About Songs to play in the Bongo

Q: Can I play bongos along with any song?

A: While you can experiment with playing bongos along with various songs, choosing tracks with suitable rhythms and tempos will enhance your experience.

Q: Can beginners play complex bongo songs?

A: Beginners can start with simpler rhythmic patterns and gradually progress to more complex songs as they develop their skills and confidence.

Q: How can I improve my bongo playing technique?

A: Practicing regularly, listening to different styles of music, and studying various bongo techniques will help improve your playing technique over time.

Q: Are there any specific genres that are best suited for bongo playing?

A: Bongos are versatile instruments that can complement a wide range of musical genres, including Latin, jazz, funk, pop, and rock.