Samba Instruments: Learn the Musicality of Samba

Surdos, the big drums in Brazilian samba instruments, serve as the pulsation or TEMPO of the bateria, forming the strongest part of the music and acting as a reference for all the other instruments. They establish the 'andamento' or TEMPO for the bateria to play, whether faster or slower, which is essential for anyone looking to learn samba instruments.

There are three types of surdos: surdo de primeira (first - the biggest drum), surdo de segunda (second - smaller than the first drum), and surdo de terceira (third - the smallest one).

In a bateria, the counting goes 1, 2, 3, 4 (four counts before starting again). The surdo de primeira strikes on the second and fourth counts, while the surdo de segunda hits the first and third counts. Generally, the sound of the surdo de primeira is bass, the segunda is mid, and the terceira is treble. However, the bateria da Mocidade has a different approach where the primeira is treble and the segunda is bass, depending on the bateria style. Interestingly, the Mangueira bateria features only the surdo de primeira, lacking the second or third drums.

The surdo de terceira, being the smallest of the three, provides balance between the other two, adding to the musicality of samba by serving as the CONTRA (QUICK).

Repique or Repinique is a smaller drum than the Surdos, played with one hand and one drum stick. Its sound is similar to the 'caixa' but deeper and stronger, making it one of the most notable Brazilian samba instruments. This drum is the loudest instrument in a Bateria. 

The Repique acts as the Bateria's 'conductor', guiding the rhythm and the musicality of samba. It can also be considered a fourth Surdo since it maintains the rhythm and the TEMPO of the Bateria. 

Typically, the Repique introduces the Bateria (the drums), starting the song. It can also be played solo in the middle of songs or together with tamborins. 

The 'Repique de mão' is a smaller version of the standard Repique, commonly used in 'Samba de Roda', making it essential for those who want to learn samba instruments.

The Tamborim is one of the most popular Brazilian samba instruments due to its small size, fitting comfortably in one hand and being played with a single or triple rounded beater. Don't be fooled by its size; it's one of the most challenging instruments to learn when diving into samba instruments. The Tamborim holds a significant position within a Bateria, guiding your dance steps through its distinct sound. We say the Tamborim 'makes lines' and 'draws' the samba melody, accentuating it and enhancing the overall musicality of samba. The most common 'levada' or melody played on a Tamborim is the 'carreteiro' (in 4 counts).

Also known as tarola, tarol, caixeta clara, or snare drum, the Caixa is one of the essential Brazilian samba instruments. It gives each Escola de Samba (School of Samba) its unique identity, as every school has its own style of playing the Caixa. This instrument is not only vital for samba but is also commonly used in military bands, providing the pace and rhythm of a military march. Typically, the Caixa is played with two drum sticks and is held on one arm or shoulder, or by using a harness, making it an important piece to learn for those looking to master samba instruments and understand the musicality of samba.

Normally made of wood and metal discs, the Chocalho is a key instrument among Brazilian samba instruments, producing a 'jingle' sound that resonates through the Bateria. It emphasizes the bass more than the high tones, enhancing the musicality of samba. 

The Chocalho, along with the Caixa, contributes to the vibrant melody of samba. 

Played with both hands, this instrument requires strong arms and endurance, making it essential for those who wish to learn samba instruments effectively.

The Cuíca is a unique drum among Brazilian samba instruments, featuring a wooden stick that is internally attached to the skin covering its head. The sound is created by rubbing this wooden stick with a piece of wet cloth, producing a very characteristic noise reminiscent of a snorting sound. For those looking to learn samba instruments, mastering the Cuíca can significantly enhance your understanding of the musicality of samba.

The agogô is a single or multiple bells that originated in traditional Yoruba music and is considered one of the oldest Brazilian samba instruments. Based on West African Yoruba single or double bells, the agogô plays a crucial role in the musicality of samba. Notably, it has the highest pitch among all bateria instruments, making it an essential element for those who want to learn samba instruments.

Tantã, also known as Tan-tan, is a cylindrical hand drum that plays a significant role among Brazilian samba instruments, particularly in small samba groups and pagode ensembles. It mimics the sound of the larger Surdo (primeira). Due to its smaller size, the Tantã is not as loud as a Surdo, which is why it is less commonly used in larger samba schools and more often found in intimate gatherings of musicians known as "Rodas de Samba". 

This unique drum is played while sitting or standing, with one hand striking the drum head and the other hand tapping the metal or wooden body of the drum, showcasing the musicality of samba. For those eager to learn samba instruments, the Tantã offers a distinct experience that highlights the rhythm and spirit of this vibrant genre.

The pandeiro is a hand frame drum that holds a significant place among Brazilian samba instruments, particularly popular in Brazil. The drumhead is tunable, and the rim holds metal jingles (platinelas), which are cupped to create a crisper, drier tone. It is held in one hand and struck on the head by the other hand to produce sound. Typical pandeiro patterns are played by alternating the thumb, fingertips, heel, and palm of the hand. Additionally, one can shake the pandeiro to create sound, similar to the chocalho, or run a finger along the head to produce a roll. The pandeiro is essential for various Brazilian types of music, including samba, coco, chore, and capoeira, making it a vital instrument for anyone looking to learn samba instruments and understand the musicality of samba.