keys for darbuka strikes

D = "Doum"

Low resonant strike with the right hand closer to the centre of the membrane; fingers flat and together. Also called "Dum" or "Dom". In the split-finger technique played by the bent middle finger of the right hand (3), which quickly bounces from the membrane. 

T = "Tek"

High resonant sound with the right hand on the edge of the membrane; fingers flat, but not together. Also called "Tak" or "Es". In the split-finger technique played with the ring and index fingers of the right hand (4 and 2).

K = "Ka"

High resonant strike with the left hand on the edge of the membrane; often written as T. In the split-finger technique played with the ring and index finger of the left hand (4 or 2).

t = "te"

Quiet strike with the right hand on the edge. The same in the split-finger technique; written as 4 (ring finger of the right hand).

k = "ka"

Quiet strike with the left hand on the edge. The same in the split-finger technique; written as 4 (ring finger of the left hand).

M = "Muffle"

Muffled strike on the membrane with the right hand (in contrast to resonant D). 
Similar to small b (boat-shaped hand). Also played with the index finger of the right hand or with the thumb in split-finger technique.

r = "Roll"

A series of two of three fast strikes t and k; played before the strong beats (D and T). The split-finger technique is also popular: for example, 2-4-4-2-4-4. The underlined numbers are the strikes with the left hand. 

S = "Slap"

A strike with the left hand (or the ring finger of the left hand - the split-finger technique), at the same time the right hand edge is pressed against the membrane. Depending on the strength of the strike and the location of the right hand on the membrane (closer to the centre or to the edge), the S sound can get different pitch. Also called P="Pop".

s = "Snap"

A snap with the index finger by the thumb, at the same time the thumb is holding the edge. 

"Thump"

A thump with the index finger by the thumb, at the same time the thumb is flat on the membrane. Depending on the location of the thumb (closer to the centre or the edge), the Thump sound can get different pitch.

B = "Bek"

Muffled, but strong strike with the right hand on the membrane (boat-shaped hand) as if you were grabbing the air at the same time. Also called G="Grab".

b = "bek"

Small quiet B; often replaces t.

c = "Clap"

Clap your hands once!

"Spray"

Place the thumb of your right hand flat in the centre of the membrane, make a roll with the rest fingers, pressing against the membrane and the thumb. You can start with the little or ring finger, finger by finger to the thumb. 

Split-finger technique

Designations for the right hand: 1 - thumb, 2 - index finger (for T), 3 - pad of bent middle finger (for D), 4 - ring finger (for T), 5 - little finger. For the left hand - the same, but underlined.