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Cajonbox

The world's largest Cajon platform by the Queen of Cajon Heidi Joubert.

Cajonbox
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5.00
(14 Ratings)

Discover Cajon

Who is this course for?
  • Complete beginners
  • Intermediate players who want to strengthen their technique, sound & foundations
Categories: Cajon Lessons
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“Best cajon teacher on the web.” — Camillo

“The best cajon website … I've ever seen.” — Ajay

Learn the step-by-step cajon method trusted by students in over 55 countries, created by the Cajon Queen whose lessons have been watched more than 27 million times.

About Course

Discover Cajon is the first step in the Modern Method for Cajon — the complete step-by-step cajon curriculum Heidi Joubert has personally developed over more than 20 years, taking you all the way from your very first strokes to mastering the cajon, with tons of groove patterns spanning many different genres.

This beginner course builds the foundation of your cajon playing through guided step-by-step lessons, practice-along and play-along videos with a real band, and musical training. Learn proper technique, sound, timing, coordination, and musicality while developing a strong and beautiful sound on the cajon, and learning a bunch of extremely popular grooves to get you playing in no time!

What’s included:

  • Learn the fundamental basics of cajon playing
  • How to sit correctly and position your body
  • Learn the basic cajon sounds and striking techniques
  • Develop proper technique, control, timing, and coordination
  • Learn a range of grooves and groove variations
  • Guided practice-along exercises with Heidi
  • Play along with real band tracks and music
  • Technique exercises and progressive rhythmic training
  • Tips on posture, stretching, and effective practice routines
  • Notation included throughout the course
  • 4 different camera angles for optimal learning and technique observation
  • Build a strong technical and musical foundation for long-term growth on the cajon
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What Will You Learn?

  • Learn the essential bass, high, slap, and side stroke techniques used in modern cajon playing.
  • Build solid timing, coordination, control, and endurance through guided practice exercises.
  • Master five versatile grooves used across a wide range of musical styles.
  • Develop dynamic playing using accents, ghost notes, triplets, and rhythmic subdivisions.
  • Learn to transition confidently between grooves using your first musical break.
  • Improve your sound quality, posture, technique, and long-term playing habits.
  • Play along with original songs and guided practice sessions to develop real musical confidence.
  • Establish an effective practice routine that will help you continue improving long after completing the course.

Course Content

Module 1 / Cajon Basics
Focus Learn the essential foundations of cajon playing while building the technical and musical skills needed for everything that follows in the course. Expanded Description Learn the essential foundations of cajon playing, including posture, hand placement, striking technique, and the basic sounds of the cajon. This module builds the technical and musical foundation upon which the rest of your playing, sound, coordination, and groove will develop. From the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 2 / Building Control
Focus Develop the fundamental control, coordination, timing, and technique needed to confidently play your first grooves. Expanded Description Before learning your first grooves, it is important to first develop basic control, timing, coordination, and technique on the cajon. In this module, you will learn and practice three foundational technique exercises designed to prepare your hands, movement, sound, and coordination for groove playing. These exercises progressively build the technical foundation upon which the rest of the course is based, helping you develop control, confidence, and consistency before applying these skills to your first grooves. From Technique & Rudiments of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 3 / Your First Groove
Focus Learn your first foundational cajon groove while developing your timing, coordination, groove, and rhythmic vocabulary, then apply your new skills by playing along with real songs and live music. Expanded Description Learn your first complete cajon groove, commonly known as the Rumba Catalana. This widely used rhythm provides an excellent introduction to groove playing and will help you develop timing, coordination, groove, feel, and musical confidence. Throughout this module, you will progress through a series of groove variations, with each variation building upon the previous one while introducing a new musical idea, technical challenge, or rhythmic concept. This progressive approach helps develop timing, coordination, groove, musicality, and rhythmic vocabulary in a structured and natural way. At the end of the module, you'll put everything you've learned into practice by playing along with real songs and live musicians, helping you apply the groove in an authentic musical setting and bridge the gap between practice and performance. From Rhythms & Grooves Lesson 1 of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert. Throughout this lesson, you will progress through a series of groove variations, with each variation building upon the previous one while introducing a new musical idea, technical challenge, or rhythmic concept. This progressive approach helps develop timing, coordination, groove, musicality, and rhythmic vocabulary in a structured and natural way. Playing time: 39 mins 13 secs / 9 videos From Rhythms & Grooves Lesson 1 of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 4 / Your 2nd Groove
Learn your second complete cajon groove, commonly known as the Dancehall rhythm. This versatile groove is widely used across many musical styles and genres and builds naturally upon the skills developed in the Rumba Catalana lesson. Through a series of progressive variations, guided practice-alongs, and a final play-along with live musicians, you will continue developing your timing, coordination, groove, feel, and musical confidence. Throughout this lesson, you will progress through a series of groove variations, with each variation building upon the previous one while introducing a new musical idea, technical challenge, or rhythmic concept. This progressive approach helps develop timing, coordination, groove, musicality, and rhythmic vocabulary in a structured and natural way. Students familiar with the Rumba Catalana groove may notice similarities in the accent structure. In this variation, one of the accents is moved from the high stroke to the bass stroke, creating a new feel and musical character while building upon previously learned concepts. Playing Time: 34 min 24 sec / 7 Videos From Rhythms & Grooves Lesson 2 of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 5 / Expanding Technique
Focus Continue developing your technique, coordination, control, and confidence through progressive technical exercises that prepare you for the grooves ahead. Expanded Description Continue developing your technique and coordination through deeper technical studies. In this module, you will learn two new technique exercises, each accompanied by guided practice-along videos with a metronome designed to improve movement, control, confidence, sound quality, and overall musical flow on the cajon. These exercises build upon the technical foundation established in the previous modules, helping you develop greater precision, consistency, and confidence before progressing to your next groove lessons. From Technique & Rudiments of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 6 / Your 3rd Groove
Focus Learn your third foundational cajon groove while developing your timing, coordination, groove, and rhythmic vocabulary, then apply your new skills by playing along with real songs and live music. Expanded Description Learn your third complete cajon groove, commonly associated with Pop, Rock, and Soul music. Building upon the skills and concepts developed in the previous groove lessons, this versatile rhythm introduces another widely used groove that can be applied across many different musical styles and genres. Throughout this module, you will progress through a series of groove variations, with each variation building upon the previous one while introducing a new musical idea, technical challenge, or rhythmic concept. This progressive approach helps develop timing, coordination, groove, musicality, and rhythmic vocabulary in a structured and natural way. At the end of the module, you'll put everything you've learned into practice by playing along with real songs and live musicians, helping you apply the groove in an authentic musical setting and bridge the gap between practice and performance. Playing Time: 24 min 45 sec / 6 Videos From Rhythms & Grooves Lesson 3 of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 7 / Your 4th Groove
Focus Learn your fourth foundational cajon groove while developing a new coordination concept, introducing sixteenth-note subdivisions, expanding your rhythmic vocabulary, and applying your new skills through real songs and live music. Expanded Description Learn your fourth complete cajon groove, commonly known as the 4 on the Floor rhythm. This versatile groove is widely used across many musical styles and genres and is especially common in Pop, Dance, and Funk music. Unlike the previous groove lessons, this pattern introduces a different coordination concept by moving away from the usual alternating hand strokes, giving you a new technical challenge while expanding your rhythmic vocabulary. Throughout this module, you will progress through a series of groove variations, with each variation building upon the previous one while introducing a new musical idea, technical challenge, or rhythmic concept. As the module progresses, you'll also begin incorporating sixteenth-note subdivisions into the groove, developing greater rhythmic precision, coordination, and musical expression. At the end of the module, you'll put everything you've learned into practice by playing along with real songs and live musicians, helping you apply the groove in an authentic musical setting and bridge the gap between practice and performance. Playing Time: 50 min 23 sec / 7 Videos From Rhythms & Grooves Lesson 4 of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 8 / Refining Technique
Focus Refine your technique, coordination, and musical expression while learning two final essential skills. In this module, you will learn the final two technique lessons of the course, introducing two important additions to your musical vocabulary: triplet subdivisions and the side stroke technique. Expanded Description First, you'll learn to subdivide the beat into three instead of 1 or 2, expanding your rhythmic vocabulary and developing greater rhythmic awareness. You'll then discover the side stroke—a completely new sound and playing surface on the cajon—and learn how to integrate it naturally with your bass and high strokes to create a wider range of musical colours and textures. Together, these final technique studies refine your coordination, control, sound quality, confidence, and musical expression, preparing you for your fifth groove. From Technique & Rudiments of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 9 / Final Grooves & Practice Essentials
Learn your final groove and its variations through guided practice sessions, play-alongs, and musical application exercises. This module also includes important guidance on building an effective long-term practice routine and integrating cajon practice naturally into your daily musical life.

Module 10 / Breaks & Fills
Focus Take your first step into the world of breaks and fills by learning a simple, versatile groove break that can be applied to any groove. This module also introduces the double stroke, an essential technique that will be developed in much greater depth throughout Progress on Cajon. Expanded Description In this module, you will be introduced to the exciting world of breaks and fills—an essential part of musical performance that allows you to create smooth transitions, add variation to your grooves, and finish songs with clarity, confidence, and musical expression. You will learn a simple one-beat break that can be applied to all the grooves you have learned throughout this course. Although the break lasts for only a single beat, it introduces a brief sixteenth-note subdivision and incorporates your first double stroke, an important rudimental technique that forms the foundation for many more advanced breaks, fills, and rhythmic ideas. Through two guided practice-along sessions, you will first master the break in isolation before learning how to apply it naturally within a groove. While the Rumba Catalana groove is used for demonstration purposes, the concepts learned in this module can be transferred to any groove in your playing. This module serves as an introduction to a much larger subject. In Progress on Cajon, you will explore a wide variety of additional breaks, fills, double-stroke techniques, and musical transitions, giving you even greater freedom, creativity, and expression in your playing. From Breaks & Fills Lesson 1 of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.

Module 11 / Practice Essentials
Focus Discover a collection of essential tips, practical advice, and healthy practice habits that will help you build a strong technical foundation, develop effective practice routines, and enjoy a lifelong journey of playing the cajon. Learning a new craft requires a certain mindset and these videos will greatly help you understand how to get the best out of your practising sessions and your approach to learning in general. Expanded Description This module brings together a collection of practical lessons and essential advice that every cajon player should know. While the previous modules have focused on developing your technique, rhythms, and musical skills, these lessons concentrate on the habits, mindset, and practical knowledge that will support your long-term progress and enjoyment of the instrument. You will learn about the different types of cajons, how to tune your cajon, and why choosing the right instrument can have a significant impact on your sound, technique, posture, and overall playing experience. You will also be guided through simple stretching and warm-up exercises that help prepare your body for playing while promoting healthy movement and reducing the risk of unnecessary tension or injury. The module also explores effective practice strategies, including posture, sitting position, mirror practice, consistency, and developing the right mindset for long-term improvement. These practical tips will help you practise more efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and make steady progress throughout your musical journey. Finally, I introduce you to my own Cruz Cajon, sharing the design philosophy behind the instrument and explaining how a well-built cajon can support good technique, proper posture, comfort, and a beautiful musical sound. A quality instrument not only sounds better, but also makes it easier to develop healthy playing habits that will benefit you for years to come. This collection of practical lessons is designed to help you build a solid foundation, not only as a cajon player, but as a confident and well-rounded musician. *From Cajon basics of the Modern Method for Cajon curriculum and book by Heidi Joubert.*

DISCOVER CAJON WORKOUT
Discover Cajon Workout Focus Bring everything you have learned together through a structured workout of the guided practice-along videos, helping you build muscle memory, improve your technique, develop consistency, and internalise the skills you have learned throughout the course. Expanded Description Congratulations on completing Discover Cajon! By now you have learned the fundamental techniques, rhythms, grooves, breaks, and essential playing concepts that form the foundation of your cajon journey. The Discover Cajon Workout is a dedicated practice and workout section containing all of the guided practice-along exercises from the Discover Cajon course, arranged in the suggested order of the method. Rather than searching through the different modules, lessons, and videos, you can simply come here and work through the complete workout from beginning to end. The fastest progress can often be seen when the full Discover Cajon Workout is practised regularly once the lessons have been learned. These exercises, grooves, and techniques are not designed to simply be learned and left behind, but to become essential foundational tools that continue to be practised, refined, and incorporated throughout your entire journey as a cajon player. Learning a rhythm or technique is only the first step. True progress comes through consistent repetition, developing muscle memory, improving coordination, increasing control, refining your sound, and gradually building greater speed, endurance, confidence, and musical freedom. These skills cannot simply be understood—they must be trained and internalised through regular practice. If you are serious about developing as a cajon player, I highly recommend returning to this workout regularly. Ideally, work through the complete Discover Cajon Workout as part of your daily or weekly practice routine. If you have limited time, simply select the exercises or grooves you would like to focus on and practise along with those videos. Over time, you will naturally become less dependent on the videos as you develop the confidence to practise independently with a metronome and create your own practice routines. Until then, let these guided workouts become your regular training partner as you continue strengthening the skills you have developed throughout this course. Enjoy the journey, keep practising, and I'll see you in Progress on Cajon, where we'll continue building on everything you've learned here.

Student Ratings & Reviews

5.0
Total 14 Ratings
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K
Bop
July 31, 2026
Verified review
Fact: Modern Method for Cajon is a stroke of heartfelt rhythmic educational genius! When I came to Heidi's wonderfully designed and updated Cajonbox website, well, I certainly believed in her sincerity and her vast musical knowledge--plus her off-the-charts abilities on cajon and percussion in general. But then, oh my, there is her teaching abilities, her style, spirit and heart! More specifically, her meticulously crafted and updated Modern Method for Cajon courses! With full respect to Heidi's fellow cajon teachers, there's nothing else remotely close to what she has created for us in an online format. This is incredibly exciting! I'm writing this review as a proud member of Cajonbox, yes, but moreover I am writing this for those of you just arriving here. For those of you who have maybe struggled to learn cajon or to find a successful method of learning cajon.

Here's the deal, if you have had a dream of one day being a solid proficient musical artist via cajon, you have come across THE entrance to that path of how to get there. Modern Method for Cajon is absolutely that path--a path with a heart I must add. Who am I? Just a fellow-traveler that cares...who has walked ahead on this musical journey. Who has struggled, failed and been frustrated that I might not ever be able to play cajon...until now. Once I began the lessons and had that first quiz, I knew without question, I've got this, I CAN do this through Heidi's masterful teaching abilities and content! I feel like I am building a solid foundation with clarity--and ridiculous enthusiasm! And this my fellow travelers, I wish for you too! Simple as that. Sincere and BS-free. Have fun!

Kenny
SL
sven.lemke-makowka
July 29, 2026
Verified review
OMG She is absolutely legendary. Her workshops are easy to learn and fun. She is a completely amazing person and passes on that fire she has 100%. After the workshop, I really felt like I could play the cajon better than before... This site, the cajons, and Heidi as a person are absolutely overwhelming.
DW
Daniel Wendler
May 17, 2026
Verified review
Dear Heidi, thank you very much for putting together these lessons. It must have been a lot of work! It is so much fun to learn Cajon with the videos and it nearly feels, like you are in the room. The tempo, the set up and all other aspects are so well thougt througt and of so high quality, that it is a big joy to watch the videos and learn step by step with you and your method. Looking forward to go on with lesson 3, but first lessons 1 and 2 have to be finished ;-)

All the best and looking forward for more material to come and going on practising with you and your method and videos.

Daniel
Joanne Griffith
June 26, 2023
Verified review
I am loving this course. The pace is perfect. Although l’m able to sing while playing basic beats on a Brazilian tamtam, I haven’t reached that comfort level with the cajon yet—something to look forward to, I guess. Thank you!
N
neetadelaney
April 4, 2023
Verified review
Heidi,
I love, love, love the lessons! . . . The overall structure of the lesson plans are excellent. Watching the placement of your hands is a perfect way to reinforce the technique you've laid out. All of your explanations are clear and concise. The gradual increase in speed during the practice sessions as well as the use of a metronome are also incredibly helpful. And watching you play each groove at full speed at the beginning of the session is flat out inspiring! I started a couple weeks ago and have been practicing 2 hours a day. I'm pretty surprised at my progress having never played a percussion instrument before. The only suggestion I have is in the Rhythms and Groove Sections . . . It would at least help me if there was one more incremental increase in tempo right before ramping it up to the final full speed. I can master the second to last tempo and then it seems like a huge jump to full speed and I find myself floundering. In any case, I love the instrument and I love the lessons. I am a 72 year old vocalist and my goal is to master this beautiful instrument and eventually be able to accompany myself in performance.. Thanks for offering yourself and your talent to the world. Onward and upward!!!
Neeta
Ben Cazin
December 16, 2021
Verified review
I have this and it's amazing - worth much more than even the full price!
Clinton Chong
November 15, 2021
Verified review
I live in Hong Kong and I will start learning the cajon via your modern method today. The paypal method was a breeze. You have an excellent website and programme. I will definitely recommend your lessons to all my friends. Also, I can't wait to show "Break the box" with the younger generation to prepare them for a Post Covid world.
Jack Burchard
September 16, 2021
Verified review
Maybe you're like me. Been playing for years, mostly jamming, a few gigs. Heidi's free lessons helped me a lot on the way. I waited years for her to release Modern Method. Now I would like to play with more musicality. I want to get better. These lessons seem to be a great path and so inexpensive. I am working on the Basics and Techniques to improve my position, stroke and sound. Heidi finally convinced me to use a mirror. It really works. I am getting a much sweeter snare and a boomier bass. Hand coordination improving. Taking my time to get it right. I am ready to rock. Heidi is such a good teacher, coach and mentor. Get these lessons.
LB
Luc Bovens
September 9, 2021
Verified review
I am really enjoying Heidi's modern method for cajon. The lessons are great – the pace is nice & easy. The grooves are terrific and there are play-along songs for each groove. They are nicely done, with Heidi on the cajon, a guitar and a bass. It’s great to have these songs to practice with, especially in COVID times when it’s so hard to find people to play with. I also love the energy and the sheer joy of the whole project – another lifesaver in COVID times! The only drawback is that it's hard to get any work done when there is a cajon to play. Get it -- there's weeks of fun in this package!
Kris Jaffa
August 18, 2021
Verified review
A couple of years ago I stumbled into a musical performance by a traditional American Jug Band at a church. I fell in love with the music and learned I could join the group if I played something. Not being musically inclined I thought maybe I could keep rhythms. I remembered seeing someone play a “box” and after learning it was a Cajon, my journey into drumming began. For a while I just played a simple 4 stroke pattern because that was all I could do. Becoming more bold, I ventured onto the internet where I discovered the beautiful and amazing cajonist , Heidi Joubert! I enjoyed learning from the early videos that she produced, but I think I was missing the some of the fundamentals. My playing improved but I still struggled with new beats and patterns. To my delight Heidi released the MODERN METHOD FOR CAJON and now my playing has begun to take off!
Heidi is a phenomenal instructor. She explained all of those fundamentals that I was lacking and provided excellent tips to create new good habits while playing. Because I can rewatch the videos on several platforms I can play along with my home computer, but practice on the road with my tablet when we’re off traveling. I am also extremely happy to have the practice along section in the MODERN METHOD FOR CAJON which is helping solidify new patterns and increase my speed and precision.
Finally, the really fun part of the lessons is when you get to play along with Heidi and her musician friends. Heidi’s beautiful singing and the amazing instrumental accompaniment are a joy to watch and play with.
The videos are beautifully filmed with great lighting and focus, and the color grading and editing is impeccable. The product is of the highest professional quality.
The best part is that I can watch the videos over and over again until I finally feel like I’ve mastered the beat and technique and I can play with abandon!
THE MODERN METHOD FOR CAJON is a terrific purchase for anyone wishing to take up this fun instrument and Heidi Joubert is an incredible teacher who will make learning exciting and joyful!
I highly recommend purchasing this product, you will NOT be disappointed!
Fantastic job Heidi!
Gert
August 16, 2021
Verified review
I have worked through the modern method for cajon and have found it very clear and easy. I trust you will be continuing on this method and am looking forward to more lessons!
Nicky Liebenberg
August 13, 2021
Verified review
I live in South Africa and have been fortunate enough to get my hands on a Cruz cajon. There are few cajons that match up to the craftsman & quality of the Cruz cajon range! Believe me I searched! They are truly beautiful instruments.. well made, sturdy, reliable and beautiful sounding. I’ve had a few online lessons with Heidi. She is thorough & passionate. I would encourage anyone who wants to learn how to play to grab Heidi’s modern method course and go for it!
Gerd Roeders
August 12, 2021
Verified review
I would call myself a bassist....for a lot of people that says it all :) However I always wanted to learn a drum kind of instrument. For one thing to better communicate with the drummer....and also to have more fun with the guitar player when the drummer "cannot make it". Beeing a musician I first bought an instrument - a Heidi Joubert amazing cruz cajon. It came with an encouraging personal notice from Heidi - that made me happy. The first six month I used the cajon to sit on it, to threaten my drummer, to put my chord sheets and ipad on it and a lot of other crazy stuff you can do with this good looking instrument in the room. I tried some beats but it was hard to get to the string through the hole....and though it looks so easy when you see the cajon players it actually is quite difficult when you try on your own. Fortunately out of nowhere, Heidi released the modern method for Cajon playing. I am not the biggest fan of online lessons but I tried this one because the cajon was so great that I expected the method to be equally brilliant! And yes it is. After a "slow" start, explainig this and that, things get really going. The pace is not to fast (for a bass player) but a lot of information is given that, for me was of big value, for example how to use the hands in the right way. It is a truly beginner course and it takes you step by step to better understand and play. And then there are the "sessions" with the band. I love it just to groove along and I already have my favorite songs. I also learned from the bass player in the video - great musicians. For me this is the biggest plus because it is pure fun. Heidi by herself is very sympathic. I saw her first time on a live concert and i loved the spirit she spreads, and you can feel this positive loving spirit on the video. This course makes a huge difference to the youtube videos you can grab, because this method takes you from begining to intermediate step by step. It´s fun and long lasting.....there is only on thing I think that is a problem for me.... I don´t play the bass enough anymore because I love to groove on my Cajon. Thanks Heidi - great job!
David
August 10, 2021
Verified review
A friend gifted this to me as they know I thoroughly enjoy all things CAJON. Having only recently been introduced to Heidi I am blown away. What talent and such a great teacher. The package I purchased gives me value for money as I can use it at my own pace and don't have the stress of a monthly subscription.
The Online Courses

Learn Cajon, step-by-step

One complete curriculum — three courses, one journey from zero to cajon hero. These are not three separate courses.

Discover CajonSTARTYour very first grooves. Begin free, no card needed.Progress on CajonREFINESharpen your technique and grow your groove vocabulary.Master CajonPERFORMAdvanced chops, dynamics and true performance craft.
What players say about the lessons

“Finally, someone who explains the cajon simply and beautifully.”

— Tamara · Switzerland

“Not just a great course — a masterclass in teaching.”

— Colin M Owen · professional drummer, UK

“I've been loving the lessons and improving loads — a great addition to my playing.”

— Stephen Linehan

Read more testimonials →

Did you know?

Cajonbox isn't only online — come and play with Heidi in person.

Workshops & meetups Play together at Heidi’s workshops around the world. Cajon Camp 2027 An immersive in-person gathering — in the works. Private coaching One-to-one sessions with Heidi. Limited spots.

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