Capoeira Music

The Instruments
Here is a list of the instruments commonly used in capoeira. No real rule for what instruments are needed exists, only that there is at least one; the berimbáu.

Berimbáu Is a one stringed instrument consisting of a bow and a dried shell of a fruit at one end to give resonance. By hitting the string with a stick and regulating the sound with a stone on the string a very distinctive sound is produced. Exists in three pitches, the lowest sounding (the gunga) is lead for all other instruments. African origin. Example:

Pandeiro It´s a slightly more sophisticted tambourine of South American origin. Example:

Agogô A wrought iron bell with African origin. Example:

Atabaque A big drum you hit with your hands, can be replaced by a conga. Example:

Reco-reco Is a Brazilian version of the güiro. It´s a scraping instrument that can be made of wood or metal.

The Songs
There are three basic song types: Ladainha - Solo songs that follow certain melodies, starts the roda. Corrido - A rhytmic chanting like song that corresponds with the movements of the players. Quadra - In some parts of Brazil this sometimes subtitutes the ladainha, it has more varying melodies. They can all be of various themes like religion, slavery, capoeira; Pretty much anything. Click here for some examples of capoeira music and songs.


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