The Paranda is the simplest rhythm to learn on the bass Segunda drum, and is almost always the first beat that is learned. The lead hand (the right hand if you are right-handed, the left hand if you are left-handed) keeps a steady bass beat throughout, with the other hand following with a single beat as shown in the video.
Like with most of the Garifuna rhythms, drummers from Belize, Guatemala and Honduras play the Paranda slightly differently, but the video shows Belize style Paranda.
In all the rhythms, it is important to hit the drum in the correct place in order to get the correct sound, and have your hand in the correct position. Keeping a steady beat is easier said than done once the Primero player comes in: the Segunda drum always begins play first, and then the Primero comes in with the singers and other instruments. For the beginner, keeping a steady beat on the Segunda drum once the Primero comes in is a challenge!
Below the How To....video is a video of Ray drumming with Paul Nabor, legendary Paranda musician, and Umalali Group in Punta Gorda town, Belize.
