Drumming is one of the most accessible ways to make music. Within minutes, a group of complete beginners can be creating rhythms together, building confidence, developing listening skills and experiencing the satisfaction of performing as an ensemble. Whether in a classroom, community group or workshop setting, drumming has a unique ability to bring people together.
Samba is particularly well suited to music education. Originating in Brazil and shaped by a rich and complicated mixture of African, European and South American influences, samba uses a wide range of percussion instruments that each play a different role within the ensemble. From the deep pulse of the surdo to the sharp calls of the repinique and the intricate rhythms of the tamborim, every instrument contributes to the overall groove.
Drawing on material from The Beatlife Book: Playing and Teaching Samba, this guide explores the key instruments found in a traditional samba bateria. You'll discover how each instrument is played, the role it performs within the band and the techniques used to create the distinctive rhythms and energy that make samba so engaging to play and teach.
Whether you're a music teacher looking to introduce whole-class percussion, a workshop leader planning a samba project or a drummer wanting to better understand the ensemble, this guide provides an introduction to the instruments at the heart of Brazilian samba.
Ganza
What is a ganza?
Ganzas are cylindrical shakers made from plastic, wood or metal. They are filled with rice, seeds or other small materials which create a sound similar to rainfall or the shimmering cymbals of a drum kit when shaken. Because of their gentle sound, ganzas are often one of the first instruments beginners play in a samba band. They are also very easy to make at home using containers such as yoghurt pots filled with rice and taped together.
How do you play it?
Ganzas can be held in the centre with one hand or at both ends using two hands. Whichever grip you choose, it is useful to think about the movement of the rice or seeds inside the instrument, as these are what actually produce the sound.
The basic playing motion is a horizontal movement towards and away from the body. By stopping the movement sharply at the point of extension, the natural recoil of the wrists creates two lighter notes. This combination of movement and rebound forms the foundation of many samba rhythms.
What is its role in the samba band?
Like the Surdo drum, the ganza helps keep time within the ensemble. The main beat is usually played on the outward movement, while the stopping and recoiling action creates the additional beats between. When played correctly, with the forward and backward movement extended and the recoil notes grouped together, the result is the characteristic samba swing, often compared to the rhythm of a train travelling along railway tracks.
Tamborim
What is a tamborim?
Tamborims, not to be confused with tambourines, are small, high-pitched drums that are unique to Brazil. They are held in one hand and played with a stick, often one with several flexible prongs that help create a louder and fuller sound. Despite their small size, tamborims are one of the most distinctive instruments in a samba band, capable of producing fast and intricate rhythms that sit above the main groove.
How do you play it?
The simplest way to play the tamborim is to strike the centre of the drumhead and play phrases that complement the rhythms of the other instruments. The tone can be changed by pressing a finger against the back of the drumhead. As with all drums, sound is created by vibration, so pressing against the skin reduces the vibration and creates a shorter, more muted sound.
A more advanced technique involves tilting the tamborim so that the stick strikes the drumhead on both the downward and upward movements. Although this takes practice to master, it allows players to perform much faster and more complex rhythmic patterns.
What is its role in the samba band?
The tamborim adds energy, excitement and detail to the samba ensemble. Rather than simply keeping time, it often plays intricate patterns that float above the groove created by the larger drums. These rhythms help bring the music to life and are an important part of the distinctive sound of Brazilian samba.
Agogo bells
What are agogo bells?
Agogo bells are percussion instruments made up of two or sometimes three metal bells of different sizes joined together by a rod. Each bell produces a different pitch, with the smaller bells creating higher notes and the larger bells producing lower notes. By striking the bells with a stick, players can create rhythms and melodies that add colour and excitement to the samba band and compliment the beats of the other instruments.
How do you play it?
Agogos are held in one hand and struck with a stick in the other. Different notes are produced by striking the different bells, allowing players to create patterns that complement the rhythms of the other instruments.
Some samba groups use only a single set of agogo bells, giving the player the freedom to improvise and create complex patterns over the groove. Other groups feature several players who must work together carefully, performing the same rhythms without clashing with one another.
Because agogos are made from metal, they can have a very bright and penetrating sound, so it is important to play with sensitivity. Once basic patterns have been mastered, players can make rhythms more interesting by pressing the bells together between notes. This technique is only possible on agogo bells with a flexible connecting rod and requires coordination similar to some of the more advanced techniques used on the caixa and tamborim.
What is the role of agogo bells in the samba band?
Agogo bells add melody and rhythmic detail to the ensemble. While the larger drums provide the foundation of the groove, the different pitches of the bells allow them to play patterns that weave through the music and help bring the overall sound of the samba band to life.
Caixas
What is a caixa?
The caixa is the Brazilian equivalent of the snare drum commonly found in a drum kit, although its origins can be traced back to military marching bands. In fact, it was Portuguese army bands that introduced the instrument to the early samba groups.
Like a snare drum, the caixa uses wires stretched across the drumhead to create its distinctive buzzing sound. These wires, known as snares, act a little like a net or trap and vibrate when the drum is struck. On many Brazilian caixas, the snares are positioned on the top of the drum rather than underneath.
How do you play it?
The Caixa is usually played whilst standing, with the drum suspended from a shoulder strap. It is played using two sticks and can be held using one of two common grip styles.
Holding the sticks
Matched grip is where both sticks are held in the same way, between the thumb and index finger. This is often used when sitting because it promotes a balanced playing position.
French grip involves holding one hand at an angle to the drum, with the stick balanced in the crook between the thumb and index finger. This grip can be particularly useful when marching, as the drum can be positioned slightly to one side, allowing greater freedom of movement.
Whichever grip is used, it is important to stay relaxed, keep a straight back and avoid gripping the sticks too tightly. Only small stick movements are needed to produce a strong, controlled sound.
Creating different sounds
Most caixa rhythms are made up of a combination of lighter notes and stronger accented notes played near the centre of the drumhead. When practising, imagine an invisible line above the drum and try not to raise the sticks above it. This helps develop balance and control between both hands.
For beginners, the most important thing is to play the accented notes at the correct time. The lighter notes can be added later as confidence grows.
Other sounds can also be created on the caixa. A rim shot is produced when the stick strikes both the drumhead and the rim at the same time, creating a sharp, powerful sound. Players can also perform a buzz note by pressing the stick into the drumhead with the thumb, causing several very fast bounces that blend together into a buzzing effect.
What is its role in the samba band?
The caixa is one of the main driving forces in a samba band. While the surdos provide the foundation of the groove, the caixa fills the spaces between the beats, helping to create a fuller and more energetic sound. Its combination of steady rhythms, accents and snare buzz gives samba music much of its forward momentum and excitement.
Repiniques
What is a repinique?
The repinique is a loud, high-pitched double-headed drum that is similar in some ways to a caixa, but without the snare wires. It is one of the most important instruments in a samba band and traditionally acts as the “call” of a call and response pattern.
Repiniques are usually played by some of the more experienced drummers in a group, as they are often responsible for signalling when the band should start, stop or change rhythm.
How do you play it?
The repinique is played with either one hand and one stick or with two sticks, depending on the style of samba being performed.
Creating different sounds
When playing with one hand and one stick, the hand can create two distinct sounds. The first is the open tone, which is played by striking the edge of the drumhead with the fingers together before lifting the hand away. The second is the slap, which is created by striking slightly closer to the centre of the drumhead with the fingertips to produce a short, snapping sound.
The open tone and slap are also important sounds on hand drums such as djembes and congas, and learning to produce a clear difference between them can take practice.
The stick can be used to strike either the middle of the drumhead or the edge of the drum to create a rim shot. These different sounds allow the repinique player to perform a wide variety of rhythms and signals.
Additional techniques
One technique that is often used on the repinque is known as the triple bounce. This is created by striking the centre of the drumhead with the stick and then pulling back as it rebounds. The third bounce creates a clicking sound on the edge of the drum.
Like a tennis ball bouncing on the floor, each bounce becomes smaller and faster, meaning the second and third notes occur closer together than the first. The fourth beat is then played by the hand, alternating between open tones and slaps.
The overall effect creates the distinctive samba swing that can also be heard in the basic technique of the Ganza and the tilting motion used when playing the tamborim.
Some players find it easier to use a shortened stick when learning the triple bounce, as it can make the movement easier to control. At slower tempos, the bounce is often replaced with two evenly spaced rim shots.
What is its role in the samba band?
The repinique acts as a leader within the samba ensemble. It gives calls that tell the rest of the band when to start, stop or change rhythm, and the other players respond to these signals.
As well as directing the ensemble, the repinique adds excitement and energy to the music. Its bright sound cuts through the groove created by the other drums, helping to drive the band forward and bring the rhythms to life.
Surdos
What is a surdo?
In Brazilian samba music, the deep bass sound that forms the foundation of the groove is created by large drums called surdos. Often described as the heartbeat of the samba band, Surdos keep time and provide the rhythmic foundation on which all the other instruments are built.
Surdos are large, barrel-shaped drums with a drumhead on each end. They come in a range of sizes, with smaller drums producing higher notes than larger ones. Samba bands commonly use three different types of surdo, each with its own role.
Types of surdo
Marcação is the largest and deepest sounding surdo. Its role is to mark the main beats of the rhythm. In Samba-Reggae and Batucada, these are usually beats two and four.
Reposta is slightly smaller and higher in pitch, often tuned around a fourth above the marcação. It plays the secondary beats, usually beats one and three, creating a response to the marcação.
Cortador is the smallest and highest-pitched surdo. Rather than simply marking the beat, it often plays more melodic rhythms that link together the patterns of the larger drums.
How do you play it?
To produce the best sound, surdos are typically played standing up with the drum supported by a shoulder strap. This allows the notes to ring out fully and resonate. Some classroom models, such as nesting surdos, feature a single drumhead rather than the traditional two-headed design and are intended to be played free-standing. Rubber feet lift the base of the drum slightly from the floor, helping to improve resonance and sound projection.
Surdos are played using a padded beater rather than a standard drumstick. The padded head helps produce a warm, full tone, whereas a normal stick can create a sound that is too sharp. When striking the drum, the aim is to create a strong, resonant note rather than a short, loud bang.
On marcação and reposta drums, the free hand is often used to press against the drumhead and control the length of the note by muffling the vibration. Cortadors are typically played with two beaters, allowing more complex rhythms to be performed.
A sharp clicking sound can also be added to the groove by striking the rim with the handle of the beater near the point where it is held.
What is its role in the samba band?
The surdo provides the rhythmic foundation of the samba ensemble. Together, the marcação, reposta and cortador create the pulse and feel of the music, giving the other instruments a framework to play around.
The marcação establishes the main beat, the reposta answers it, and the cortador fills the spaces between with linking rhythms. Working together, these drums create the driving groove that gives samba music its distinctive energy and movement.
Samba glossary
Instruments and instrument roles
Alfaia
A large wooden bass drum traditionally used in Maracatu music from north-eastern Brazil.
Atabaque
A tall hand drum similar to a conga, commonly used in Candomblé ceremonies and Afro-Brazilian music.
Caixa de Guerra
A snare drum used in Maracatu music. Similar in appearance to a samba caixa.
Cortador
The smallest and highest-pitched surdo in a traditional three-surdo section. It often plays linking rhythms between the larger drums.
Gonguê
A large metal bell used in Maracatu music.
Marcação
The largest and deepest-pitched surdo. It plays the main pulse of the rhythm.
Reposta
The second-largest surdo, usually playing a response to the sarcação.
Rhythms, styles and traditions
Afoxê
A rhythm and style of music based on the traditional Ijexá rhythm of north-eastern Brazil. Afoxê groups often combine percussion, singing and dancing.
Baiao
A popular rhythm from north-eastern Brazil that has influenced many styles of Brazilian music.
Candomblé
An Afro-Brazilian religion that combines African traditions with Brazilian culture. Its music has influenced many Brazilian rhythms.
Congado
A traditional Brazilian procession involving music, dancing and religious celebration. Maracatu is thought to have developed from similar traditions.
Samba Batucada
The style of samba most commonly associated with Rio de Janeiro Carnival, featuring large percussion ensembles known as baterias.
Samba de Carnaval
Another name sometimes used for Samba Batucada.
Samba de Roda
A traditional style of samba from Bahia that combines music, singing and dance.
Samba Reggae
A style of Brazilian music that combines elements of samba with reggae rhythms, developed in Salvador, Bahia.
Bands and ensembles
Bateria
A percussion ensemble or samba drum band made up of different instruments playing together.
Ilê Aiyê
One of the most influential Afro-Brazilian groups from Bahia and an important influence on the development of Samba Reggae.
Olodum
A world-famous percussion group from Salvador, Bahia, known for helping to develop and popularise Samba Reggae.
Timbalada
A famous Brazilian percussion group known for popularising timbal-led samba and samba funk styles.
Places
Bahia
A state in north-eastern Brazil that is considered one of the cultural centres of Afro-Brazilian music. Samba Reggae originated here.
Recife
A city in north-eastern Brazil and the traditional home of Maracatu.
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil's most famous samba city and home of the large samba schools that perform during Carnival.
Salvador
The capital of Bahia and an important centre for Afro-Brazilian culture and music, including Ijexá and Samba Reggae.
