The side drum (pinyin: biān gǔ) is a mixed-membrane sounding instrument of the Zhuang people. In the ensemble of Zhuang bronze drum music (often played alternately by four bronze drums of different sizes and different timbres), the side drum is the main foil instrument, and is often used in bronze drum music ensembles and Taoist song and dance accompaniment. Popular in Wuming, Donglan and Bama areas in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The drum frame is made of bamboo or carved from a whole piece of wood. The upper mouth is thicker and the lower mouth is thinner. The shape is oblate. The upper mouth is covered with cowhide, sheepskin, pigskin or snakeskin on one side. The edge is fixed with double rows of drum nails, and the lower mouth of the drum frame is open [picture]. Specifications and sizes vary, usually the diameter of the drum surface is 22 cm to 28 cm, the diameter of the lower opening of the drum is about 20 cm, the height of the drum frame is 4 cm to 5 cm, and the thickness of the wooden drum wall is 2.5 cm to 3 cm. The outside of the drum frame is painted with red paint, and the nails around the frame are decorated with colorful spikes. The side drums popular in Wuming, Guangxi are smaller, with a diameter of 22 cm to 25 cm, and one side is covered with cowhide or snake skin; the side drums popular in Donglan and Bama, Guangxi are slightly larger, with a diameter of 25 cm to 25 cm. 28 cm, one side covered in sheepskin, pigskin or snakeskin.
When playing, the side drums in the Wuming area hold the frame with the left hand, and the right hand slaps or hits with a small wooden stick. Fingers strike the drumhead simultaneously or alternately. Side drums sound solid and crisp, but not loud. The side drum is a hand drum loved by the Zhuang people. Originally, it was only used by Dao Gong (wizards) to dance and dance. Today, in the Zhuang bronze drum music (often played alternately by four bronze drums of different sizes and timbres), the side drum is the main foil instrument. In addition, it is also used in Daogong opera (song and dance drama developed on the basis of dancing gods) and singing and dancing accompaniment.