Brazilian Musical Instruments

We all know about the popularity of the music in Brazil. Brazilian music is heavily influenced by the Portuguese culture. Like the vibrancy of the culture, the music of Brazil is equally diverse and pulsating, full of energy and life. The musical tradition varies from every region. This is probably why there are so many different genres of Brazilian music. Today, Brazil boasts of some of the most renowned musicians of all times. Music is the main essence of the soul of the people of Brazil. Here, we shall take a look at some of the important Brazilian musical instruments that have been used to compose beautiful melodies.

Brazilian Musical Instruments:
Agogô: The agogô was used as a part of ceremonial music compositions in olden days. An agogô actually means a gong or bell. This is also the most oldest musical instrument to be used in Samba music.

Atabaque: This Brazilian musical instrument is basically made of a special wood called Jacaranda from Brazil. Atabaque is like a hand drum that is used in many religious styles of music.

Bateria: Bateria basically refers to a set of drums in the Portuguese language. These set of instruments include Surdo, Chocalho, agogô, pandeiro etc.

Ganzá: The ganzá is a cylindrical shaped musical instrument. This cylinder is made up of a handwoven basket that is hollow from within. This basket is filled with stones and metal balls. The basic concept of the ganzá is based on a rattle. The ganzá is also used in Samba music.

Pandeiro: A pandeiro is on similar lines to the tambourine. It needs to be shaken so that sound can be produced. There are many notable musicians who have made a name for themselves as some of the best-known pandeiro players. This instrument can be modified to produce a range of musical notes. A pandeiro needs to be held in one hand and needs to be struck on the other hand for the sound.

Repinique: Repinique, also known as repique, is a Brazilian musical instrument that is made of metal. In the olden days, this drum shaped instrument was made of wood. This Brazilian instrument is like a two headed drum. It also features prominently in the carnival festivals of Rio de Janeiro. A musician who wants to play the repinique has to carry it with the help of the shoulder straps and needs to use a wooden stick to play the drum. Sometimes, a person can even use two wooden sticks to play the repinique.

Skekere/Xequerê: This musical instrument has its base in Africa. It is made of the shells of a fruit from a plant known as gourd. Since every shape is different, the sound that is produced also varies from this musical instrument. In Brazil, this instrument is wrapped in a net. This net consists of little plastic balls that are threaded into the net.

Tambourine/Tamborim: This musical instrument is a small shaped drum that has its origins in Portugal and Africa. One can find the use of this instrument in many types of Brazilian music. The head is made of nylon material. Apart from beating it with the hand, this instrument is also played with the help of short, thin drumsticks.

These were some of the Brazilian musical instruments that have been used to create beautiful compositions since the ancient days. It's no wonder, music lies in the blood of all Brazilians!