Split-finger
The "split-finger" or "split-hand" technique is a common drumming technique (used mainly on Egyptian style goblet drums and Indian drums like tabla and kanjira) which was made popular by the famous Turkish drummer, Mısırlı Ahmet. Mısırlı Ahmet studied and practiced drumming in Egypt which is the reason he is called 'Mısırlı' (the Egyptian).
There are various ways of implementing the split finger technique; using one hand, or interlacing the hits using both hands.
The one hand split finger involves striking the rim of the drum head (or a bit further down) with a downwards (or diagonal) movement of the index finger of your ornament hand (that means the left hand for right-handed people, or the right hand for left-handed people) and from there,with no extra movement, bringing your ring finger up with a slight twist to strike the rim (or close to the rim). When this is done correctly each hit should sound as a regular "ka" (which is a standard rim hit with the ornament hand).
The two hand split finger...There are a number of ways that this can be done.
The two hand split finger technique is just a combination of right and left hand strikes. The table below shows the most common ways it's done.
Note: When doing the two hand split finger, a side-to-side swaying motion with your hands is more ideal. It is the most efficient way of doing it (for speed and comfortability).
{The below configuration is for right-handed people, if you are left-handed just reverse the order}
1. Ring Finger, Index Finger, Index Finger, Ring Finger
RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND
2. Index Finger, Index Finger, Ring Finger, Ring Finger
RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND
3. Ring Finger, Index Finger, Index Finger, Ring Finger
RIGHT HAND RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND LEFT HAND
4. Index Finger, Ring Finger, Index Finger, Ring Finger
RIGHT HAND RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND LEFT HAND
5. Tek, Index Finger, Tek, Ring Finger
RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND
6. Tek, Index Finger, Ring Finger, Index Finger, Tek, Ring Finger, Index Finger, Ring Finger
RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND LEFT HAND LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND LEFT HAND LEFT HAND
{The result of each one of these combinations is that there are 4 rim hits for each beat making a very fast roll at anything above 180-200 Beats Per Minute}
- Note: a "Tek" is a standard rim hit with the main hand (for most players the main hand is the right hand).
- Also Note: the last combination (Number 6) is over 2 beats making for 4 strikes also per beat. It is not 8 strikes per beat [ you would have to be faster than Superman and Bruce Lee put together to be able to do that at anything near 200 Beats Per Minute :) ]
It might seem very difficult at first but with persistent practice your fingers will get used to it and it will be second nature.
Note: If your fingers start to hurt or your wrists get very sore it probably means that you are doing it wrong. Indeed, your wrists might hurt a bit after practicing but that is not your aim. There is an efficient way of doing the split hand technique which doesn't involve quite as much wrist movement as the above mentioned way. Rather than an 'up and down' movement with your wrist on the ornament hand use a more 'side to side' movement. This generally increases speed and your wrist won't hurt as much.
