Shamanic Drums Explained – History, Types & How to Use a Shamanic Drum

Shamanic Drums Explained – History, Types & How to Use a Shamanic Drum

The shamanic drum is the oldest and most universal tool in shamanic practice. Found in cultures across Siberia, the Americas, Africa, and beyond, the drum is far more than a musical instrument — it is a sacred vehicle for consciousness, a bridge between the ordinary world and the spirit world, and the heartbeat of shamanic ceremony.

This guide explores the history of shamanic drumming, the different types of drums used in practice, how the drum works to shift consciousness, and how to choose and care for your own shamanic drum.

The Role of the Drum in Shamanism

In virtually every shamanic tradition, the drum is called the "horse" of the shaman — the vehicle that carries the practitioner into non-ordinary reality. The steady, rhythmic beat of the drum — typically between 4 and 7 beats per second — entrains the brain into a theta brainwave state, the same state experienced in deep meditation and the hypnagogic threshold just before sleep.

This altered state allows the shaman to journey to the lower, middle, and upper worlds — the three realms of shamanic cosmology — to retrieve healing, guidance, power animals, and lost soul parts for themselves or others. The drum does not merely accompany the journey; it is the journey.

A Brief History of Shamanic Drumming

Shamanic drumming is among the oldest spiritual practices known to humanity. Archaeological evidence of frame drums and ritual drumming dates back over 30,000 years. The tradition is found across Siberia and Central Asia (where the word "shaman" itself originates, from the Tungus word šaman), the indigenous cultures of the Americas, the Celtic and Norse traditions of Northern Europe, and the healing traditions of Africa and Oceania.

Despite arising independently across continents, shamanic drumming traditions share remarkable similarities — the same rhythmic tempo, the same cosmological framework of upper, middle, and lower worlds, and the same understanding of the drum as a living, sacred ally.

Types of Shamanic Drums

Frame Drums

The frame drum is the most traditional and widely used shamanic drum. It consists of a single drumhead stretched over a shallow circular or oval frame. Frame drums are lightweight, portable, and produce a rich, resonant tone ideal for journeying. They are found in Siberian, Celtic, Native American, and Andean traditions.
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Bodhráns

The bodhrán is the traditional frame drum of the Celtic and Irish traditions. Played with a double-headed beater called a tipper, it produces a deep, earthy tone and is used in both ceremonial and musical contexts.
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Pow Wow & Ceremonial Drums

Larger ceremonial drums — often played by multiple drummers simultaneously — are central to many Native American traditions. These drums carry the heartbeat of the community and are used in ceremony, prayer, and celebration.

Synthetic Skin Drums

Modern shamanic drums are also available with synthetic drumheads, which are unaffected by changes in humidity and temperature. These are a practical choice for practitioners who work outdoors or in varying climates, and are a cruelty-free alternative to natural animal skin.
Browse All Shamanic Drums →

How to Use a Shamanic Drum

Using a shamanic drum for journeying is a learnable practice. Here is a simple framework for beginners:

  • Set your intention — before you begin, clearly state the purpose of your journey (e.g. to meet a power animal, to seek guidance on a question, to bring healing)
  • Create sacred space — smudge yourself and your space with sage or palo santo, call in the directions, and set up a simple altar if you wish. See our Creating a Sacred Space guide
  • Lie down or sit comfortably — cover your eyes with a cloth or eye mask to deepen the inward focus
  • Begin drumming — maintain a steady, monotonous beat at approximately 4–7 beats per second. If drumming for yourself, use a recording or ask a partner to drum for you
  • Journey — allow images, sensations, and encounters to arise naturally. Do not force or analyse — simply observe and engage
  • Return — a callback signal (a rapid drumbeat followed by silence) signals the end of the journey. Return your awareness to your body and the room
  • Ground yourself — eat something, drink water, and record your journey in a journal

Choosing a Shamanic Drum

When choosing a shamanic drum, consider the following:

  • Size — larger drums (16" and above) produce deeper, more resonant tones ideal for journeying. Smaller drums (12"–14") are more portable and easier to play for extended periods
  • Skin — deer, elk, and buffalo are the most traditional natural skins. Each has a different tone and energy. Synthetic skins are a practical and ethical alternative
  • Frame material — wooden frames are traditional; the type of wood can carry its own energy and symbolism
  • Intuition — above all, choose the drum that calls to you. Many practitioners report that their drum "chose" them rather than the other way around

See our full guide to choosing a shamanic drum for more detail.
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Caring for Your Shamanic Drum

  • Cleanse your drum with sacred smoke (sage, palo santo, or copal) before first use and regularly thereafter
  • Introduce yourself to your drum — hold it, speak to it, and set a clear intention for your work together
  • Store your drum away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can warp the frame or damage the skin
  • Natural skin drums are sensitive to humidity — avoid leaving them in damp environments or near heat sources
  • Treat your drum with reverence — it is a sacred ally, not an object

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