What instruments are used in samba music?
Samba music originated in Brazil around the turn of the 20th century, tracing its roots back to Africa. The makeup of an ensemble will vary, but there are a number of instruments that traditionally have a place within the genre.Samba PercussionThough percussion is key to most genres of music, samba depends on a number of instruments to define its sound: the reco reco, the agogo, the chocolo, and the ganza/shaker.Stringed InstrumentsThe most important non-percussion instrument is the cavaquinho; a small four-string instrument that is shaped like a classical guitar. It is also common to see either a classical or acoustic six-string guitar.Small DrumsSince samba music clearly is a rhythmic display, drums can be broken down into high and low ends. Smaller drums produce a higher pitch and consist of the pandeiro, the tamborim, and occasionally the tan tan and the common snare drum.Large DrumsLarger drums are used to produce a deep sound.
