The Woodblock*

The woodblock originated in ancient China. Its sharp, woody sound is frequently used to create musical accents and to provide contrast to the percussive sound of drums or to the metallic sound of cymbals, triangle, or bells. The woodblock is played primarily with plastic, rubber, or wood mallets, and occasionally with the tip or butt end of a drum stick.

To Play the Woodblock: A. B.      Grip the woodblock at the far end of the block. Note: Hold the woodblock at chest level to project the sound. Strike the approximate center of the woodblock with a medium-hard rubber mallet or drum stick. Note: Experiment to find the spot that produces the best sound. It is sometimes called the "sweet spot."

C.      To perform rapid passages, set the woodblock on a firm, cushioned surface and strike with alternating strokes of mallets or drum sticks.