Here’s a playlist with a series of short videos that demonstrate basic playing techniques for each instrument.
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Agogo demoIntroduction to playing the agogo
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Tamborim demoIntroduction to playing the tamborim
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Ganza demoIntroduction to playing the ganza
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Timba demoIntroduction to playing the timba
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Repique demoIntroduction to playing the repique
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Caixa demoIntroduction to playing the caixa
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Surdo demoIntroduction to playing the surdo
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/surdo_metal-with-beater.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Alison_surdo_240-107.jpg)
SURDO (soor-doh)
Surdos are large cylindrical drums with skins on both ends. Strapped over the shoulder the top skin is played with one or two beaters (depending on the style) producing a bass sound. The surdo rhythm creates the heartbeat in the Samba and provides the foundation for the patterns of the other instruments.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/caixa.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/caroline_caixa_240-107.jpg)
CAIXA (cash-a)
A snare drum found in most percussion ensembles in Brazil. Used to provide stability, swing and to drive the band playing either accents on to the beat or syncopated lines.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Agogo.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/anna_agogo-2_240-107.jpg)
AGOGO (a-go-go)
Coned shaped, pair of metal tuned bells attached to a handle. The small bell produces a high sound and the large bell a lower sound. They’re played with a wooden stick to create repetitive melodies.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/timba_2.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/vicky_timba_240-107.jpg)
TIMBAU (chim-bow)
The Timbau has a conical wooden shell, a plastic skin and is played with hands. You get a deep bass, dry open tones and sharp slaps all on one instrument! Great for soloing, grooving and unison phrasing.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tamborim.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/eric_tam_240-107.jpg)
TAMBORIM (tam-bor-him)
Tamborims are one-headed drums about six inches in diameter and played with a thin stick or a plastic stick with several prongs. Typically playing short repetitive patterns and sometimes longer phrases that punctuate the music.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/repique_samba-reggae-1.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/raz_rep_240-107.jpg)
REPIQUE (hepi-key)
This instrument acts as the lead drum of an ensemble and plays intros, endings and breaks. It is a double headed drum which is tuned high. In samba it is played using a stick and hand technique, and in samba reggae, it’s played with two thin sticks.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/choc-1B.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/jurek_choc2_240-107.jpg)
CHOCALHO (show-cal-yo)
Chocalhos have a metal-frame with metal jingles. Held with both hands, they’re played with back and forth movements and drive the music along.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-bell-agogo-1024x899.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Anna-R_4-bell_240-107.jpg)
4-TONE AGOGO
4 bells of different sizes means you can play more complex melodies. As they’re a little heavy, you hold the instrument in front of you and rest the bar at the end of the handle against your body.
![](https://gardencitysamba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ganza.png)
GANZA (gan-zah)
Fulfils the same function as the chocalho and it is played with the same technique, but it has a softer sound.