What other instruments work in a drum circle

The djembe might be the heartbeat — but it’s not the whole band. A rich drumcircle includes textures, tones, and voices that go beyond just one drum.

At Drum Circle India, we’ve seen how layering different percussion instruments deepens the group experience — whether in drum circle therapy or corporate team building drum circles.

Here’s a list of instruments that groove beautifully in the circle.

Dunun, Sangban, and Kenkeni — the African bass line

These cylindrical bass drums are often played with sticks and are traditionally used alongside the djembe.

• Dununba = deep bass

• Sangban = mid voice

• Kenkeni = high accent

Together, they lay down the rhythmic structure that keeps a drumming circle grounded and grooving.

Frame drums — for breath and mindfulness

Used in Sufi, Celtic, and Native traditions, frame drums are soft, resonant, and meditative.

Ideal for:

• Drum circle therapy

• Spiritual retreats

• Sound healing sessions

They add a contemplative voice to the more percussive energy of the circle.

Shakers, shekeres, and rainsticks — the details that lift

These aren’t flashy, but they’re vital.

• Shakers fill the space between beats

• Rainsticks add ambiance

• Shekeres (gourd rattles) bring Afro-Brazilian texture

We use these extensively in corporate drum circle sessions to help first-timers contribute with confidence.

Boomwhackers and sound tubes — great for schools and team building

Color-coded, pitched plastic tubes that anyone can play. They’re:

• Visually engaging

• Tonally interesting

• Perfect for corporate team building drum circles and school groups

They make music accessible — and fun.

Body percussion and voice — no instruments required

Sometimes, the most powerful part of the circle is… you.

• Claps

• Stomps

• Vocal beats

• Breath pulses

We integrate body percussion into many of our drum circle sessions, especially when facilitating in minimal gear environments like remote retreats or pop-up festivals.

Why we mix instruments at Drum Circle India

Because just like teams, circles thrive on diversity.

A corporate team building drum circle activity with djembe, shaker, frame drum, and rainstick becomes more than a circle — it becomes a sound ecosystem.

Every layer matters. Every voice counts. And every instrument adds something unforgettable.

For Queries Related to Drum Circle, Click Here!