Linkable percussion resource
Hand percussion stage checklist
A hand percussion checklist for cajon, djembe, congas, bongos, shakers, tambourines, bags, stands, microphones, cables, and live setup.
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Hand percussion should feel immediate, but the stage version needs decisions: what travels, what gets miked, where the drums sit, and which small pieces actually serve the songs.
Use this checklist before acoustic gigs, worship sets, classrooms, drum circles, and home-recording sessions.
01
Core voices
- Pick one main drum for the set: cajon, djembe, conga pair, bongos, or frame drum.
- Add small percussion only when it supports the arrangement.
- Check whether the room needs lower volume, more projection, or a microphone plan.
02
Comfort and stands
- Set cajon, conga, or bongo height before rehearsal starts.
- Use stands when lap placement changes tone or posture too much.
- Keep towels, tape, and tuning tools in the same bag as the drum.
03
Capture and transport
- Pack the microphone, stand, clip, and XLR cable needed for quiet percussion.
- Use bags for shells and frames that travel in cars or crowded rooms.
- Keep shakers and tambourines in a small pouch so they do not disappear.
Mistakes this checklist prevents
- Bringing too many small instruments and no clear main groove.
- Forgetting a mic plan for quiet cajon or shaker parts.
- Skipping bags until the first dent or cracked shell.