Cuban Percussion Instruments

claves-a pair of rosewood sticks about 8" in length, which are stuck together

congas-wood shell drums which stand about two feet in height, played with hands, a set usually consists of two-three drums.

bongos-a pair of small, single-headed drums played with hands, shells are made of wood, traditionally held between a players knees, stands are also used.

timbales-a pair of cylindrical, single headed, metal shell drums 13" and 14" in diameter, played with sticks, can also be used with cowbells and cymbals.

guiro-a scraped idiophone, tube shaped, made originally from gourd, today made of wood or plastic.

cow bell-metal idiophone, bell shaped most common, made in varying sizes.

maracas-one of the more common Latin American rattle-type instruments, used in pairs, originally made of gourd,

Brazilian Percussion

surdos-large two headed drum, resembles a marching field drum, used as the bass drum voice in the Samba percussion ensembles.

agogos-double bells

pandeiros-tambourine-type instrument, played with hands

tamborim-very small single headed drum played with one stick.

reco recos-bamboo scraper, similar in sound to guiro

cuicas-single-headed friction drum, a stick is attached to the headed which is rubbed to create the friction sound

snare drum-or caixa, small snare drum with a very shallow head, played with one or two sticks.

afuce/cabaca-rattle-type idiophone with beads attached to the outside of the gourd or wood body.

ganza-a tube shaped shaker usually made or metal.