Latin American Music Instruments You Need to Know About
Contents
From the maracas of Venezuela to the cajóns of Peru, get to know the must-have Latin American music instruments!
The Cajón
The cajón is a crate-like percussion instrument that originates from Peru. It is played by sitting on the instrument and striking it with the hands, or with various percussion mallets. The cajón has a rich and complex history, and has been used in a variety of musical genres. Let’s learn more about this fascinating instrument.
History
The cajón is a box-shaped percussion instrument that originated in Peru. It is typically made from wood, and has a front panel that is struck with the hands. The cajón has become a popular instrument in many different genres of music, including jazz, rock, and Latin American music.
There are many different stories about the origins of the cajón, but it is generally believed to have been developed by slaves in Peru who were not allowed to play drums. The slaves would use empty boxes or crates to create a makeshift percussion instrument, which they would then use to play music. Over time, the cajón evolved into the instrument we know today.
The cajón has become a staple of Latin American music, and is used in a wide variety of genres. It is particularly popular in Peru, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The cajón has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Europe.
How it’s played
The cajón is a percussion instrument originating in Peru, played by slapping the front or rear faces with the hands, thumbs, or sometimes various beaters. Slapping the low pitch side produces a bass sound, while striking the high pitch side produces a snare sound. The instrument has become popular worldwide, especially in Latin and African music genres such as jazz, pop, rock & roll and blues.
The cajón is most commonly played in a sitting position, with the player sitting on the top face of the box with his or her legs crossed. The instrument can also be played standing up by resting it between the legs (as is common in Peruvian music), or even horizontally on a table or other surface.
The Quena
The quena is a flute-like instrument from the Andean region of South America. It is one of the most important instruments in traditional Andean music. The quena has a deep, haunting sound that is perfect for slow, emotional songs.
History
The quena is a flute of the Andes made from cactus. It is usually about thirty-five centimeters long and has six finger holes. The quena is also a traditional instrument of the highland Bolivian, Ecuadorian, Peruvian, and Chilean people. It is mostly made out of wood nowadays; however, it was originally made out of bone or reed. The quena produces a soft and peaceful sound.
The quena was first used by the Incas. It was then used by the Spanish colonizers in the sixteenth century. After that, it became popular in Latin America. The quena is still used today in many different types of music such as folk music, pop music, and classical music.
How it’s played
The quena is a traditional flute from the highlands of Bolivia and Peru. It is typically made from cedar or rosewood, and has six finger holes on the front and one thumb hole on the back. The quena is played by blowing across the edge of the mouthpiece, producing a sound that is both nasal and sweet.
To produce different notes, the quena player covers and uncovers the finger holes in a specific order. Depending on the region, different quena music may use different scales. The most common scales used in Bolivian and Peruvian quena music are diatonic (seven-note) and pentatonic (five-note). Some contemporary quena players have extended the range of their instrument by adding extra finger holes, giving them more notes to work with.
The Charango
History
The charango is a small Andean stringed instrument of the lute family, about 66 cm long, with 10 strings in five courses. Most historians agree that the charango was created by the Spanish in imitation of an instrument from Moorish Spain called the mandingo or mandilon. Thecharango first appears in historical documents dating to the Viceroyalty of Peru (1542–1824). The term “charango” most likely derives from the Quechua word ch’áranga (variety or style), which describes a small guitar-like instrument with five pairs of gut strings.
TheCharango is smaller than a guitar, made completely out of wood, and has 10 strings grouped into 5 courses. It generally has a slightly convex back and carved out sides much like a backpacking mandolin. It also frequently features decorative carving on the front, back and/or sides much like an Alpine dulcimer or even an Italian carved Mandolin. It is traditionally tuned A-E-C#-G-A
How it’s played
The charango is a small Bolivian instrument with 10 strings. It is played with the thumb and first three fingers of the right hand, while the other fingers hold down the course of strings below the fingered strings to create different sounds. The left hand is used to stop the strings as well.
The Bombo
History
The bombo is a type of drum that originated in Latin America and was later brought to the Caribbean islands by African slaves. It is usually made from a hollowed-out log or tree trunk and has two skin heads which are beaten with sticks. The bombo has a long history and was used by both the Aztecs and Incas in religious ceremonies. It was also used by African slaves in their music and dances.
How it’s played
The bombo legüero is a bass drum played with a beater in each hand. The player sits on a stool or chair and places the drum between his legs, letting it rest on his thighs. The size and weight of the bombo vary depending on the geographic region in which it is used. In some cases, the bombo may have a single skin, while in others it may have two skins stretched over an internal frame.
The bombo is used to keep time in a variety of music genres popular in Latin America, including tango, folclore, and chacarera. It is also used in military and marching bands. In addition to its role as a timekeeper, the bombo can also be played solo as a melodic instrument. When played solo, the bombo legüero is sometimes referred to as the bomboshekere.
The Bongos
The bongos are a popular Latin American music instrument and are often used in Cuban and Puerto Rican music. They are typically played by hitting them with the hands, and they produce a high-pitched, excited sound. Bongos are usually made of wood, and they come in different sizes. The most common size is the conga, which is about 28 inches long.
History
The bongos are a pair of small drums of Afro-Cuban origin. They are of two types: the tall, narrow-barreled señorita bongo (sometimes called requinto) and the short, broad-barreled chained bongo (sometimes called Conga or tumbadora). Both drums produce a rich, sonorous tone.
The señorita bongo, played with the fingers, is used as a solo instrument in Cuban music and as an accompaniment to other percussion instruments. The chained bongo, which is played with sticks (called batá), is used mainly in religious ceremonies of the Santería religion.
How it’s played
The bongos are a Latin American percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small drums of different sizes, attached to each other by cords. The bongos are played with the hands and are traditionally used in Afro-Cuban music.
The bongos are typically made from wood or plastic, and the heads are traditionally made from animal skin. The larger drum is called the hembra (female) and the smaller drum is called the macho (male).
The bongos are played by striking the drums with the hands. The hembra is played with the right hand and the macho is played with the left hand. The player can produce different sounds by striking the drums in different ways, including open-handed strokes and closed-handed strokes.
The Congas
Congas are a family of Latin American percussion instruments consisting of three drums of different sizes: the quinto, the tumbadora, and the conga. These drums originated in Cuba and were brought to Latin America by Cuban slaves. Congas are typically played with the hands and fingers, and are used to provide rhythm in a wide variety of Latin American music genres.
History
The conga is a Latin American drum that originated in Cuba. It is typically played with the hands, and has a distinctive, rhythmic sound. The conga is often used in Cuban music, as well as in other genres such as salsa and merengue.
The instrument has a long history, dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from African drums brought to Cuba by slaves. Over time, the Cuban people added their own unique twists to the drum, resulting in the instrument we know today.
The conga is an important part of Cuban culture, and has been featured in many popular songs over the years. It remains a popular choice for musicians looking to add a Latin flair to their music.
How it’s played
The congas are a family of single-headed, drum instruments of Cuban origin, with long wooden barrels and cowhide heads. The player holds the drums between their legs, and strikes the head with their hands. The tones produced vary depending on the size and shape of the drum, as well as which part of the head is struck.
The congas are often used in Latin American music, particularly in salsa and merengue. They can be played solo or in a group, and are sometimes used in conjunction with other percussion instruments such as bongos or timbales.
If you’re interested in learning to play the congas, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, you’ll need a pair of drums – these can be any size or shape, but it’s generally recommended to start with a smaller pair. You’ll also need some sort of stand or support to hold the drums while you’re playing them. Finally, you’ll need something to hit the drums with – your hands will work fine to start with, but you may also want to invest in a set of drumsticks.
The Cowbell
The Cowbell is a percussion instrument that originates from Latin America. It is typically made from metal or wood, and it is played by striking it with a stick or your hand. The cowbell can be used to add rhythms to a song, and it is often used in salsa and merengue music.
History
The cowbell is a Percussion instrument originally from Africa. However, it has become closely associated with the music of Latin America, particularly in the Caribbean.
The cowbell is played by striking it with a stick or with the hand. It is often used as an instrument in improvisational settings, as it can provide a rhythmical foundation for other instruments to play off of.
The cowbell has a long history in African music, and was brought to the Americas by slaves who were taken from Africa to work on plantations. The cowbell became popular in Latin American music because it was an inexpensive and easy-to-play instrument that could be used to liven up any type of music.
Today, the cowbell is used in a variety of genres, including Reggae, Ska, Calypso, Salsa, and Merengue. It is also commonly heard in Latin American pop music.
How it’s played
The cowbell is a percussion instrument that is played with the hands. The player hold the bell in one hand and strikes it with the other hand. The player can also strike the cowbell with a stick or mallet.
The cowbell is used in a variety of genres, including Latin American music, reggae, ska, and rock. It is often used to keep time in fast-paced songs. The cowbell can also be used to create special effects or to accentuate certain parts of a song.
The Guiro
The guiro is a Latin American percussion instrument made from a dried gourd. It is played by rubbing a stick or rod across the guiro’s serrated surface to create a scratching sound. The guiro is also known as the reco-reco.
History
The Guiro is a Latin American musical instrument that has been around for centuries. The Guiro is a percussion instrument that is played by striking it with a stick or other object. The Guiro is usually made from a gourd, but can also be made from other materials such as metal or plastic.
The Guiro originated in Africa and was brought to the Americas by African slaves. The Guiro has been used in many different genres of music, including salsa, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian music. The Guiro is a versatile instrument that can be played solo or in a group setting.
The Guiro is an important part of Latin American culture and has influenced many different styles of music. If you are interested in learning more about the Guiro, there are many resources available online and in libraries.
How it’s played
The guiro is played by holding it in one hand and running a stick or scraper along the length of the notches cut into the surface. The other hand is often used to hold a drum or maracas to keep time. Guiros are commonly used in salsa, mambo, and other Latin American styles of music.
The Maracas
The maracas are a type of percussion instrument that originates from Latin America. They are traditionally made from dried gourds that are filled with small beads or seeds. The maracas are usually played in pairs, with one in each hand. They are often used in Latin American music, as well as in other genres such as reggae, ska, and rock.
History
Maracas, also known as rumba shakers, adding a touch of Latin flair to any music. The maracas are believed to have originated in South America, and they are still commonly used in many Latin American countries. Maracas were originally made from gourds that were filled with seeds or beans, but they can now be made from many different materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
Maracas come in many different sizes, and the size of the maraca will often dictate the sound it makes. For example, smaller maracas will typically have a higher pitch than larger maracas. Maracas are usually played in pairs, with each musician playing one maraca in each hand.
Maracas can be used to play a variety of rhythms, and they are often used in conjunction with other percussion instruments to create a lively and upbeat sound. Maracas are commonly used in many different genres of music, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton.
How it’s played
The maracas are a family of percussion instruments from Latin America. They are typically made from a gourd (calabash) filled with dried beans or seeds, and have a handle attached. Maracas can also be made from other materials, such as wood or plastic.
Maracas are usually played in pairs, with one held in each hand. They are shaken by the player, who strikes them together to create a rhythmic pattern. Maracas are often used in salsa, merengue, and other types of Latin American music.
There are different types of maracas, each with its own unique sound. The most common type is the güiro, which is made from a hollowed-out gourd with ridges on the surface. The guayo is another popular type of maraca; it is similar to the güiro but has a smoother surface without any ridges.
Maracas can be made from other materials, such as wood or plastic. Guiros and guayos are typically made from hardwoods such as mahogany or oak. Plastic maracas are less expensive than their wooden counterparts, but they generate a lower-quality sound.
The Tambourine
The tambourine is a small, hand-held drum that is played by shaking or hitting it. It is often used in Latin American music, as well as in other genres such as rock, pop, and hip-hop. The tambourine can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic.
History
The tambourine is a handheld percussion instrument consisting of a circular frame with pairs of small metal jingles called “zils”. The tambourine is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, with evidence of its existence dating back to 4000 BC. It is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, and it was later adopted by the Roman Empire and spread throughout Europe.
The tambourine has been used in a variety of musical genres over the centuries, including classical, folk, jazz, and rock. Today, it remains a popular instrument in many Latin American countries, where it is often used in samba and other Brazilian music styles.
How it’s played
The tambourine is a musical instrument in the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, called “zils”. Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead, though some variants may not have a head at all. Tambourines are often used with regular percussion sets. They can be mounted, or held in the hands.
Tambourines come in many different shapes with the most common being circular. It is found in many forms of music including rock, pop, hip hop, country and even classical. The tambourine is easy to play and can be used to add spice and flavor to any song.
