What instruments are used in Brazilian music?

Brazilian music is a vibrant and diverse tapestry woven from a myriad of cultural influences and rhythmic traditions. From the pulsating beats of samba to the melodic allure of bossa nova, Brazil’s musical landscape is a treasure trove of enchanting sounds. At the heart of this captivating musical tradition are a number of remarkable instruments that contribute to the unique flavor and infectious energy of Brazilian music. In this article, we delve into the rich world of Brazilian music and explore the instruments that form its rhythmic backbone.

The rhythmic pulse of Samba

No discussion of Brazilian music would be complete without mentioning the infectious rhythms of samba. Deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture, samba owes its vibrant and energetic character to a variety of instruments. At the center is the surdo, a large bass drum that provides the driving pulse and anchors the rhythm. Complementing the surdo are the tamborim, a small hand drum played with a stick, and the cuíca, a friction drum known for its distinctive squealing sound. The agogô, a double-bell percussion instrument, adds a bright and shimmering layer to the rhythmic tapestry of samba.

Here is a comprehensive list of instruments commonly used in Samba music:

• Surdo: A large bass drum that provides the basic rhythm and pulse of samba.
• Tamborim: A small hand drum played with a stick that adds intricate rhythms and accents.
• Cuíca: A friction drum that produces a distinctive squealing sound, often used for improvisation and embellishment.
• Agogô: A double-bell percussion instrument that adds a bright and shimmering layer to the samba rhythm.
• Repinique: A high-pitched drum with metal rims, played with a stick and used for call-and-response patterns.
• Pandeiro: A Brazilian tambourine with jingles, played with the hand and fingers to create complex rhythmic patterns.
• Ganza: A metal shaker or rattle that provides a continuous and steady rhythmic accompaniment.
• Cavaquinho: A small four-stringed instrument similar to the ukulele, often used for chordal accompaniment in samba ensembles.
• Guitar: Both acoustic and electric guitars can be used in samba, providing harmonic support and melodic improvisation.
• Surdo de Terceira: A medium-sized surdo drum that complements the larger surdo and adds depth to the rhythm.
• Agogô de Castanha: A variant of the agogô made of castanhas (Brazilian nuts), producing a distinct wood-like sound.
• Reco-reco: A notched metal tube or wooden instrument scraped with a stick to produce a rough percussive sound.
• Chocalho: A metal or wooden shaker with multiple compartments filled with seeds or beads, producing a lively and textured sound.
• Flute: The flute, either a traditional wooden flute or a modern metal flute, can be used to add melodic embellishments and solos.
• Saxophone: The saxophone, especially the alto and tenor saxophones, is occasionally added to samba ensembles for its rich and expressive sound.

Please note that specific instrumentation may vary depending on the style and regional variations of samba. Different samba schools and groups may have their own unique combinations of instruments to create their signature sound.

The soulful melodies of Bossa Nova

Known for its smooth and relaxed style, bossa nova has captivated audiences worldwide with its melodic sophistication. Born in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s, the genre features a unique blend of samba rhythms and jazz harmonies. The guitar, often played in a fingerpicking style, takes center stage in bossa nova, providing the harmonic and melodic foundation. The soft and delicate tones of the nylon-string classical guitar lend an intimate quality to the genre. The enchanting sound of the bossa nova guitar is further enhanced by the addition of instruments such as the pandeiro, a Brazilian tambourine, and the cavaquinho, a small four-stringed instrument similar to the ukulele.

Here is a comprehensive list of instruments commonly used in Bossa Nova music:

• Guitar: The guitar is one of the central instruments in bossa nova, providing the harmonic and melodic foundation. It is often played in a fingerpicking style, creating intricate and syncopated rhythms.
• Piano: The piano is occasionally used in bossa nova arrangements, contributing to the harmonic structure and providing melodic embellishments.
• Bass: The upright or electric bass provides the low-end foundation that establishes the groove and supports the harmonic structure of the music.
• Drums: The drums are used in bossa nova to provide rhythmic accents, including soft brushing on the snare drum, light cymbal work, and delicate percussion elements.
• Percussion: Various percussion instruments such as shakers, tambourines, and bongos may be used sparingly to add subtle rhythmic textures.
• Flute: The flute is sometimes used in Bossa Nova to add melodic embellishments and solos, enhancing the overall sound with its lyrical and expressive qualities.
• Saxophone: The saxophone, especially the tenor and alto saxophones, is occasionally used in bossa nova arrangements, adding a warm and soulful timbre.
• Trumpet: The trumpet can be used to provide melodic lines, improvisations and solo sections, adding a touch of brass brilliance to the music.
• Vibraphone: With its shimmering and ethereal sound, the vibraphone is occasionally used to create dreamy and atmospheric textures in bossa nova compositions.
• Cavaquinho: The cavaquinho, a small four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele, can be used to provide chordal support and rhythmic accents in some Bossa Nova arrangements.
• Voice: The human voice plays an important role in Bossa Nova, with vocalists providing the melodic lines and lyrics, often characterized by smooth, intimate, and jazzy phrasing.

It’s important to note that the instrumentation in Bossa Nova can vary depending on the specific arrangement, artist, and recording. Different musicians and ensembles may choose to add additional instruments or experiment with unique combinations to create their own interpretation of the bossa nova sound.

The enchanting melodies of Choro

Choro, a genre known for its intricate melodies and virtuosic improvisation, showcases a wide range of instruments that contribute to its distinctive sound. The bandolim, a Brazilian variant of the mandolin, is at the center of choro, providing fast and elaborate melodic lines. The seven-string guitar, with its extended range, adds richness and depth to the harmonic textures. The Brazilian cavaquinho, with its bright and percussive sound, provides rhythmic and melodic support. Other instruments commonly found in choro ensembles include the flute, clarinet, and pandeiro, all of which contribute to the genre’s intricate and captivating musical fabric.

Here is a comprehensive list of instruments commonly used in choro music:

• Bandolim: A Brazilian variant of the mandolin, the bandolim is one of the most important instruments in choro music. It provides the melodic foundation and delivers fast and elaborate lines.
• Seven-string guitar: The seven-string guitar, with its extended range, adds richness and depth to the harmonic textures in choro. It often plays a supporting role, providing chordal accompaniment and occasional solos.
• Cavaquinho: The cavaquinho is a small four-stringed instrument similar to the ukulele. In choro, it is used to provide rhythmic and melodic support, adding a bright and percussive quality to the ensemble.
• Flute: The flute, often a silver or wooden flute, is a key instrument in choro, contributing melodic lines and virtuosic improvisations. It adds a lyrical and expressive element to the music.
• Clarinet: The clarinet is another prominent instrument in choro, known for its smooth and mellow tone. It is often used for melodic ornamentation, solos, and counterpoint against other instruments.
• Pandeiro: The pandeiro, a Brazilian tambourine, is a versatile percussion instrument that provides rhythmic accompaniment in choro. It is played with hand and finger techniques, creating intricate patterns and accents.
• Reco-reco: The reco-reco is a notched metal tube or wooden instrument that is scraped with a stick, creating a rough percussive sound. It adds texture and rhythmic ornamentation to the choro.
• Surdo: The surdo, a large bass drum, is occasionally used in choro to provide a steady pulse and deepen the low end of the rhythm section.
• Violão de Sete Cordas: The violão de sete cordas, or seven-string guitar, is a variant of the acoustic guitar with an additional bass string. It is used in some choro ensembles to cover both harmonic and bass roles simultaneously.
• Trombone: The trombone, with its mellow and flexible tone, is occasionally added to choro ensembles to add richness and depth to the brass section.
• Trumpet: The trumpet can be used to provide melodic lines, solos, and improvisations, adding its vibrant and brass timbre to choro music.
• Saxophone: The saxophone, especially the alto and tenor saxophones, is sometimes added to choro arrangements, enriching the sound with its expressive and versatile qualities.
• Cavaquinho de Aço: The cavaquinho de aço is a steel-stringed variant of the cavaquinho. It can be used to add a brighter and more resonant sound to the ensemble, especially in solo passages.

It’s worth noting that choro ensembles can vary in size and instrumentation, and different groups may incorporate additional instruments or variations based on their artistic preferences and regional traditions.

The captivating beats of Maracatu

Originating in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, maracatu is a vibrant Afro-Brazilian tradition that celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage. At the heart of maracatu is the alfaia, a large bass drum that provides the driving pulse of the rhythm. The caixa, a snare drum, adds crispness and syncopation to the ensemble, while the gonguê, a metal bell, provides accents and embellishments. The deep and resonant sound of the mineiro, a large bell, adds a majestic quality to maracatu rhythms, creating an immersive and mesmerizing musical experience.

Here is a comprehensive list of the instruments commonly used in Maracatu:

• Alfaia: The alfaia is a large bass drum and the central instrument in the maracatu. It provides the powerful and driving rhythms that propel the ensemble.
• Caixa de Guerra: The caixa de guerra, also known as the tarol or snare drum, adds crisp and intricate rhythms to the maracatu groove. It often plays syncopated patterns and fills.
• Ganzá: The ganzá is a shaker instrument made from a hollow tube filled with beads or seeds. It produces a continuous and rhythmic shaking sound that adds texture and sustains the groove.
• Agbê: The agbê is a large metal bell struck with a stick. It produces a piercing and metallic sound that is often used to accentuate certain beats and transitions in maracatu.
• Mineiro: The mineiro is a metal bell instrument with a deeper and more resonant sound than the agbê. It adds a low-end metallic texture and complements the overall percussion ensemble.
• Caixa de Folia: The caixa de folia is a larger snare drum, typically played with a pair of sticks. It adds rhythmic complexity and provides accents and fills in the maracatu.
• Gonguê: The gonguê is a metal bell instrument, similar to a cowbell, but with a distinct deep and resonant sound. It adds a driving and metallic rhythm to the music.
• Shekere: The shekere is a gourd-based instrument covered with a net of beads or seeds. It is played by shaking or striking the net, producing a variety of percussive sounds and textures.
• Agogô: The agogô is a double-bell percussion instrument. It consists of two metal bells of different sizes that produce high and bright tones. It adds accents and patterns to the maracatu rhythm.
• Caixa Surdo: The caixa surdo is a larger version of the snare drum that produces a deeper and more resonant sound. It enhances the low frequencies and adds depth to the percussion section.
• Reco-reco: The reco-reco is a notched metal tube or wooden instrument that is scraped with a stick. It produces a rough and percussive sound that is often used for rhythmic embellishment.
• Tarol: The tarol is a smaller snare drum played with a pair of sticks. It contributes to the rhythmic complexity and adds subtle nuances to the maracatu groove.
• Chocalho: The chocalho is a metal shaker or rattle, typically made of a cylindrical tube filled with beads or seeds. It provides continuous rhythmic patterns and textures.
• Trumpets: Trumpets are occasionally used in maracatu to add melodic lines, solos, and dynamic brass sections. They bring a bright and lively sound to the ensemble.
• Saxophones: Saxophones, especially alto and tenor saxophones, can be incorporated to provide melodic and improvisational elements, adding a rich and expressive layer to the music.

It’s important to note that the specific instrumentation of maracatu can vary depending on the style, region, and maracatu group. Different groups may have their own variations and combinations of instruments to create their unique sound.

Conclusion

Brazilian music is a tapestry of rhythmic splendor, shaped by a diverse array of musical instruments that bring its unique traditions to life. From the infectious beats of samba to the soulful melodies of bossa nova, each genre is defined by its own set of instruments that contribute to its distinctive sound and style. The surdo, tamborim, guitar, bandolim, alfaia, and many others form the rhythmic and melodic foundation of Brazilian music, captivating audiences with their vibrant tones and intricate interplay. As we continue to explore the vast realm of Brazilian music, let us appreciate the rich heritage and cultural significance embedded in these extraordinary instruments.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any music organization or institution.

FAQ

What instruments are used in Brazilian music?

Brazilian music is rich and diverse, influenced by many different cultural traditions. As a result, a wide variety of instruments are used to create the vibrant and rhythmic sounds of Brazilian music. Here is a comprehensive list of instruments commonly used in Brazilian music:

1. Cuíca: A friction drum with a stick attached to the drumhead that produces a distinctive high-pitched sound.
2. Surdo: A large bass drum played with a mallet that provides the foundation for the samba rhythm.
3. Tamborim: A small frame drum with a single head, played with a stick or by hand to produce sharp, high-pitched rhythms.
4. Pandeiro: A Brazilian tambourine with a frame and metal jingles, played by shaking, striking, or finger techniques.
5. Repinique: A high-pitched drum played with a stick, often used in samba and other Brazilian rhythms.
6. Berimbau: A single-stringed percussion instrument with a gourd resonator, played with a stick and a small coin.
7. Atabaque: A large, conical drum with a single head, used in Afro-Brazilian traditions such as Candomblé and Capoeira.
8. Cavaquinho: A small, four-stringed instrument similar to the ukulele, often used as a rhythmic accompaniment in various Brazilian genres.
9. Violão: The Brazilian acoustic guitar, similar to the classical guitar, but with some variations in construction and playing style.
10. Bandolim: A mandolin-like instrument often used in choro music, with a rounded back and a unique sound.
11. Ganza: A shaker instrument made from a hollow tube filled with seeds, metal beads, or other small objects.
12. Agogô: A two-bell metal instrument that produces high-pitched bell-like sounds, commonly used in samba and Afro-Brazilian music.
13. Zabumba: A type of bass drum used in forró music, played with a mallet and producing a deep, resonant sound.
14. Afoxé: A large, conical drum with a wooden body and goatskin head used in Afro-Brazilian religious and carnival music.
15. Flute: Various types of flutes, such as the bamboo flute (flauta de bambu), are used in Brazilian folk and indigenous music.
16. Saxophone: The saxophone, especially the tenor and alto saxophones, is widely used in Brazilian jazz and popular music.
17. Trumpet: The trumpet is used in several Brazilian musical styles, including samba, choro, and bossa nova, adding a lively and melodic element to the arrangements.
18. Trombone: With its rich and versatile sound, the trombone is often used in Brazilian big bands, orchestras, and brass sections of popular music genres.
19. Keyboard/Piano: Keyboards and pianos are used in a variety of Brazilian music styles, from bossa nova to contemporary pop, providing harmonic support and melodic accompaniment.
20. Accordion: The accordion, especially the button or piano accordion, plays a prominent role in Brazilian forró music, adding a lively and rhythmic element.
21. Violin: The violin is used in various Brazilian genres, including choro, forró, and folk music. It contributes melodic lines and creates a unique timbre within the music.
22. Electric guitar: The electric guitar is used extensively in Brazilian popular music, including genres such as samba rock, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and Brazilian rock, adding a distinctive sound and driving force to the arrangements.
23. Bass Guitar: The bass guitar provides a solid foundation and rhythmic groove in Brazilian music, from samba to funk, and plays an essential role in the overall sound and feel.
24. Cello: The cello, with its warm and resonant tones, is occasionally used in Brazilian orchestral arrangements and in contemporary genres that incorporate classical elements.
25. Flugelhorn: The flugelhorn, a brass instrument similar to a trumpet but with a mellower sound, is occasionally used in Brazilian jazz and popular music, adding a mellow and lyrical quality.
26. Brazilian percussion: In addition to the previously mentioned percussion instruments, Brazilian music incorporates a wide range of other percussion instruments such as agogô de castanha (castanets), reco-reco (scraping instrument), tamborim de mão (hand-held tamborim), and many others, each of which contributes unique rhythms and textures.

What type of instruments are used in Brazilian music?

Brazilian percussion instruments include whistles, flutes, horns and rattles and of course drums! Our Rainbow Sambas and Congas are perfect for playing funky, infectious rhythms in the outdoors – giving you everything you need to create fun and high quality Brazilian & Samba music!

What instruments are popular in Brazil?

The most popular instrument in Brazil is probably the pandeiro, which is a type of hand drum, similar to a modern tambourine. It’s one of the three (unofficial) national instruments of Brazil, which also includes the Brazilian guitar and a single-stringed musical bow called the berimbau.

What is Brazil’s National instrument?

pandeiro

One drum that can perform all the rhythms of the samba is the pandeiro, Brazil’s national instrument. Similar to the tambourine but played differently, the pandeiro is tunable and with the right technique, a skilled player can sound like a drum set.

What instruments are used in Brazilian samba?

Instruments. A samba band normally consists of Tamborims , Snare drums (Caixa), Agogo bells, Surdos, Ganzás / Chocalho (shakers), Cuíca, Timbal, Pandeiro, and the Repinique. The band leader often carries a Repinique, as well as using Apitos (whistles) to signal breaks and calls.

What is the most common instrument in Brazil?

Pandeiro. One of the most popular Brazilian instruments is the shell tambourine, which was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese colonizers. It is played with the fingers and the ball of the hand. If the pandeiro is held horizontally, the sound of the bell is particularly effective.

What is the most famous instrument in Brazil?

One of the great Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell’s signature songs is called “Berimbau”. It truly signifies Brazilian musical culture, and has been celebrated by cover versions of countless artists both in Brazil and around the world.

What is a small Brazilian guitar called?

cavaquinho (plural cavaquinhos) A small guitar-string instrument of Brazilian origin, with four wire or gut strings, played with a plectrum.

Do Brazilians use maracas?

Samba music is a Brazilian music genre and dance style. It’s recognised around the world as a symbol of Brazilian Carnival. Maracas are a percussion instrument, which means they make noise by being struck or shaken. They’re traditionally made from dried gourds like pumpkins or melons.

Are guitars used in samba?

Samba music is built on interaction between a few string instruments (usually guitar and bass, along with a four-string Portuguese instrument called a cavaquinho) and a large percussion ensemble.

What is a small Brazilian guitar called?

cavaquinho (plural cavaquinhos) A small guitar-string instrument of Brazilian origin, with four wire or gut strings, played with a plectrum.

Do Brazilians use maracas?

Samba music is a Brazilian music genre and dance style. It’s recognised around the world as a symbol of Brazilian Carnival. Maracas are a percussion instrument, which means they make noise by being struck or shaken. They’re traditionally made from dried gourds like pumpkins or melons.

Are guitars used in samba?

Samba music is built on interaction between a few string instruments (usually guitar and bass, along with a four-string Portuguese instrument called a cavaquinho) and a large percussion ensemble.