1. Positioning: Stand with the surdo drum in front of you, slightly angled to the left (for right-handed players) or right (for left-handed players). Place the drum on a stand or between your legs if sitting.
2. Holding the mallets: Hold a mallet in each hand. The mallets used for surdos are typically wooden sticks with round or oval heads. Grip the mallets loosely near the top, allowing for wrist and arm movement.
3. Basic Technique:
- Rhythmic Pattern: The most common surdo rhythm is the "batucada" pattern. It involves alternating strokes between your left and right hands.
- Right-hand stroke: This is the main accented stroke. Hold the right mallet in your dominant hand and strike the center of the drumhead with a downward motion, using a wrist snap for power.
- Left-hand stroke: This is a softer, supporting stroke. Hold the left mallet in your non-dominant hand and strike the lower part of the drumhead with a gentle tap.
4. Hand Positions: Maintain a relaxed hand position while playing. Your wrists should be loose, and your arms should move freely from the shoulder.
5. Dynamics and Phrasing: Vary your strokes to create dynamics and musical phrasing. Play some accented notes louder than others, and control the volume by adjusting the force of your strikes.
6. Practice: To improve your surdo drumming, practice regularly. Focus on developing your technique, timing, and hand-eye coordination.
Remember, surdo playing is about feeling the rhythm and expressing yourself musically. Experiment with different patterns and techniques to find your unique style.