A Meinl cajón
You can learn the history of the cajon and how it got started.
What is a cajon (cajón)?
A cajon is often described as an entire percussion kit in a box! It has its origins in Peru and then was discovered by Paco DeLucia who brought two of them to Spain where he shared his discovery with Spanish Flamenco artists who embraced this remarkable percussion instrument.
From its popularity in Spain and its versatility, it quickly spread worldwide and goes very well with all variety of acoustic instruments. Finally, drummers and percussionists have an instrument they too can tote along to picnics, barbecues and unplugged concerts!
The word “cajón” means ‘crate’ or ‘drawer’ in Spanish. Cajon is used to describe the drawers in a cabinet but also a shipping crate, which is where the instrument gets its name. Dock workers would improvise percussion instruments in Peru for a drum set and developed a simple style of playing. This evolved into the modern cajon which now sports two drum sections and snare springs.
A nice cajon drum design – form and function in a box!
All about the cajon!
On this site, you will find numerous resources such as:
- How to play the cajon
- Where to buy a cajon
- How much you should pay for a cajon
- How to make a cajon
- Accessories for a cajon
- What is a cajon drum
- Where did the cajon drum come from?
- What kind of music uses cajon percussion?
…and much, much more!
Cajón or Cajon?
Since the cajón has its origins in Latin America and the Caribbean, where Spanish is the dominant language, the proper spelling in Spanish (cajón) includes an accent over the “o”, which is where emphasis is placed when the word is spoken. Since the instrument has gone international, it is now commonly spelled without the accent (cajon) as many people do not have a Spanish keyboard. This site uses both spellings.
Of course, do not confuse cajones with cojones…
Danger! Do not touch the cajon! T Shirts by Cajonista
Danger! Touch my cajon and you'll be lying in chalk! Funny tee shirt available in dark colors.
Cajonista Tees by Cajonista
Add your own caption to this tee - available in any color!
Yes, even available in black!
