I have played drumset for about two and a half years, and in the last six months I have also been getting into hand drums (one word?).  I haven't stopped playing the set, but have just switched my focus a little bit. 

Now, I seem to have picked up the djembe pretty quick.  I had the three sounds (bass, tone and slap, correct me if I'm wrong) within an hour maybe.  I am wondering if the skills from drum set to djembe to any other percussion instrument would sort of flow over, giving you some basic beats and techniques for an instrument before you even tried it. 

What do you guys think of this?  I'm aiming to get some more latin percussion stuff (not the brand, just in general) and am wondering how long it will take me to get alright at them.

Jazzin' things up
-Aaron

I've taken on a small amount of djembe learning.  There are specific patterns that are traditional to the instrument that I believe would be wise to learn.  I took one lesson and then realized how much time and practice really needs to go into hand drums.  I believe you can be up and running fairly quickly but to become profiecint will take lots of time and practice.  An instructor would help you immensely. 

I think theres a lot that doesn't flow over from the set.  For instance, the djembe uses a lot of forearm and little wrist.

With time and practice we'll all get there.
Brett