Samba music is a lively and upbeat genre that originated in Brazil and has become popular all over the world. One of the most iconic elements of samba music is the rhythmic beat of the drums. But have you ever wondered what the name of the drum in samba music is? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and learn more about the fascinating world of samba music. Get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro and discover the exhilarating sound of the samba drums!
The name of the drum in samba music is called the “caixa”. The caixa is a type of snare drum that is commonly used in samba music, along with other percussion instruments such as the surdo and the repinique. The caixa is played with a flexible stick and produces a sharp, high-pitched sound that is essential to the rhythm of samba music. It is typically played in a rapid, staccato style and provides the main beat for the music. The caixa is a vital part of the samba ensemble and is often featured prominently in the music.
Overview of Samba Music and its Drums
Brief history of samba music
Samba music is a lively and rhythmic style of music that originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It is a blend of African and European musical traditions, and it has become one of the most recognizable and beloved styles of music in the world.
One of the most important elements of samba music is the drum. The drum is the heartbeat of samba, providing the rhythm and energy that drives the music forward. There are several different types of drums used in samba music, each with its own unique sound and role in the ensemble.
The most common type of drum used in samba music is the surdo. The surdo is a deep, bass drum that provides the foundation for the rhythm. It is played with a mallet, and its loud, resonant sound is essential to the samba beat.
Another important drum in samba music is the caixa. The caixa is a smaller, higher-pitched drum that plays a more complex rhythm than the surdo. It is played with sticks, and its rapid fire beat adds energy and excitement to the music.
There are many other types of drums used in samba music, including the repinique, the tamborim, and the agogo. Each of these drums has its own unique sound and role in the ensemble, and together they create the vibrant, infectious rhythms that are the hallmark of samba music.
Importance of drums in samba music
Drums play a crucial role in samba music, serving as the backbone of the rhythm section. The drums provide the beat and drive that keep the music moving forward. The different types of drums used in samba music include the surdo, caixa, and repinique.
The surdo is the largest drum in the samba rhythm section and provides the bass line for the music. It is a deep, low-pitched drum that sets the foundation for the entire ensemble. The surdo is typically played with a thick, padded mallet, which allows the drummer to create a rich, full sound.
The caixa is a smaller drum that plays a more intricate pattern than the surdo. It is responsible for providing the snare-like sound that drives the rhythm forward. The caixa is played with a lighter, more flexible mallet, which allows the drummer to create a crisp, sharp sound.
The repinique is the highest-pitched drum in the samba rhythm section. It plays a fast, complex pattern that adds energy and excitement to the music. The repinique is played with a thin, light mallet, which allows the drummer to create a bright, lively sound.
Together, these three drums create a rich, complex sound that is essential to the samba rhythm section. Without the drums, samba music would lack the energy and drive that make it so popular.
Types of Drums Used in Samba Music
Surdo
Description and Sound of Surdo
The surdo is a type of drum commonly used in samba music. It is typically made from wood and has a cylindrical shape. The drumhead is made from animal skin, which is stretched tightly over the drum’s opening. The sound of the surdo is deep and powerful, providing a strong rhythmic foundation for samba music.
Role in Samba Music
The surdo plays a crucial role in samba music, providing the foundation for the beat and driving the rhythm forward. It is often played in unison with other drums, such as the repinique and the caixa, to create a full and rich sound. The surdo’s deep, powerful sound helps to give samba music its characteristic energy and dynamism.
Tips for Playing Surdo
Playing the surdo requires a strong sense of rhythm and a steady hand. Here are a few tips for playing the surdo in samba music:
- Use a strong, focused sound when striking the drumhead. This will help to drive the rhythm forward and give the music a sense of momentum.
- Pay attention to the other drums in the ensemble. Try to match your rhythm to theirs, while still maintaining a strong, steady beat.
- Use your wrists and arms to add dynamic variation to your playing. This can help to create a more interesting and engaging sound.
- Practice regularly to develop your skills and build your endurance. The surdo can be a challenging instrument to play, but with dedication and practice, you can become a skilled player.
Repinique
Description and sound of repinique
The repinique is a type of drum commonly used in samba music. It is also known as the “kick drum” and is responsible for providing the steady beat that drives the rhythm of the music. The repinique is a deep, bass drum that produces a powerful, resonant sound. Its distinctive sound is achieved through the use of a thick, round head made of synthetic material, which is struck with a specialized drumstick.
In samba music, the repinique plays a crucial role in setting the tempo and maintaining the rhythm. It is typically played on the first and third beats of each measure, providing a steady, pulsating beat that is the foundation of the music. The repinique is also used to signal changes in the rhythm or tempo, adding dynamics and energy to the music.
Tips for playing repinique
Playing the repinique requires a strong sense of rhythm and timing. Here are some tips for playing the repinique in samba music:
- Use a heavy, round stick that is slightly longer than the height of the drum.
- Place the stick on the head of the drum about an inch from the edge, with the tip pointing towards the center of the drum.
- Strike the drum with the tip of the stick, producing a clear, sharp sound.
- Use wrist movement to control the volume and tone of the sound.
- Practice playing the repinique with a metronome or other drum machine to develop your sense of timing and rhythm.
Caixa
Description and Sound of Caixa
The Caixa, also known as the repinique, is a type of drum commonly used in samba music. It is a cylindrical drum with a distinctive, bright, and high-pitched sound. The Caixa is played with two sticks, one in each hand, and produces a crisp, staccato rhythm that is essential to the samba beat. The sound of the Caixa is characterized by its rapid, repeated pattern, which provides the driving force behind the samba music.
The Caixa plays a crucial role in samba music, as it sets the rhythm and tempo for the entire ensemble. It is the drum that establishes the basic beat, and the other instruments play off of this rhythm. The Caixa is also responsible for accenting certain beats and creating dynamic contrasts within the music. It is a highly versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds and effects, from soft and delicate to loud and explosive.
Tips for Playing Caixa
Playing the Caixa requires a great deal of skill and coordination. Here are some tips for playing this challenging instrument:
- Hold the sticks loosely and use a relaxed grip to achieve a more precise and nuanced sound.
- Use wrist movement rather than arm movement to achieve the necessary speed and precision.
- Practice playing on different parts of the drumhead to create a variety of sounds and effects.
- Pay attention to the rhythm and work on developing a sense of “swing” or “bounce” in your playing.
- Experiment with different techniques, such as “flicking” the sticks or playing with different parts of the sticks.
- Listen to recordings of samba music and pay attention to the way the Caixa is played in different contexts.
- Practice regularly to develop your technique and improve your overall sound.
Other instruments used in samba music
Cavaquinho
The cavaquinho is a small, four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele. It has a bright, treble sound and is often used to play the cavaquinho part, which is a syncopated melody that supports the rhythm section.
Tamborim
The tamborim is a small frame drum with a thin head. It is played with the non-dominant hand, while the dominant hand holds the instrument. The tamborim is used to play the “ti-ti” pattern, which is a rapid, staccato rhythm that is essential to the samba rhythm.
Repinique
The repinique is a large, bass drum that is used to play the “baion” rhythm. It is played with a drumstick and produces a deep, powerful sound. The repinique is essential to the samba rhythm and is played by the “Giro” section of the samba school.
Zabumba
The zabumba is a large, bass drum that is played with a drumstick. It has a deeper sound than the repinique and is used to play the “zabumba” rhythm. The zabumba is played by the “Zabumba” section of the samba school and is essential to the samba rhythm.
Surdo
The surdo is a large, bass drum that is played with a drumstick. It has a deeper sound than the repinique and zabumba and is used to play the “surdo” rhythm. The surdo is played by the “Surdo” section of the samba school and is essential to the samba rhythm.
Description and sound of other instruments
Each of these instruments has a distinct sound and plays a different role in the samba rhythm. The cavaquinho provides a syncopated melody, while the tamborim plays the “ti-ti” pattern. The repinique, zabumba, and surdo all play the “baion” and “zabumba” rhythms, respectively.
These instruments are essential to the samba rhythm and provide the foundation for the music. The cavaquinho and tamborim provide a melodic and rhythmic basis, while the repinique, zabumba, and surdo provide the bass and drive the rhythm forward. Without these instruments, the samba rhythm would not be complete.
Famous Samba Music Groups and Their Drummers
Escola de Samba
Description of Escola de Samba
- Escola de Samba is a traditional Brazilian musical and dance style that originated in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
- It is characterized by its lively rhythms, colorful costumes, and energetic dance moves.
- Escola de Samba is typically performed by large groups of musicians and dancers, who come together to create a spectacle of music and movement.
Famous samba music groups
- Vai-Vai: One of the most famous samba music groups in Rio de Janeiro, known for their energetic performances and intricate costumes.
- Mangueira: Another well-known samba music group, Mangueira has a long history and a loyal following of fans.
- Portela: One of the oldest and most respected samba music groups in Rio, Portela has won many awards for their performances.
Drummers and their contributions
- Roberto: A renowned drummer with the Escola de Samba, Roberto is known for his skill and precision.
- Maria: A talented female drummer, Maria is respected for her powerful rhythms and energetic performances.
- Carlos: A master of the surdo drum, Carlos is a key member of his samba music group and is known for his creative and dynamic playing.
Samba-Enredo
Description of Samba-Enredo
Samba-Enredo is a style of samba music that originated in Brazil and is characterized by its fast-paced rhythm and lively melodies. This style of samba is often performed by large samba music groups, known as “Escolas de Samba,” which are composed of dozens of musicians, singers, and dancers.
The drums used in Samba-Enredo are known as “caixa biologica” or “repinique.” These drums are made from a hollow log and have a tensioned drumhead made from the skin of an animal, usually a cow or goat. The caixa biologica is a type of snare drum that produces a sharp, crisp sound, while the repinique is a larger drum that produces a deeper, more resonant sound.
Famous samba music groups and their performances
There are many famous samba music groups that perform Samba-Enredo, including “GRES Portela,” “GRES União da Vitória,” and “GRES Estácio de Sá.” These groups are known for their elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and energetic performances.
During the annual Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, these groups compete in parades and performances, showcasing their unique style of samba music and dance. The competition is judged by a panel of experts, who evaluate the groups on factors such as their music, choreography, and overall presentation.
Overall, Samba-Enredo is a vital part of Brazilian culture and has gained international recognition for its infectious rhythms and lively performances.
Popular Samba Music Songs and Their Drumming
Description of popular samba music songs
One of the most popular samba music songs is “The Girl from Ipanema,” which was made famous by the Brazilian band, Stan Getz and The Boys. The song features a distinctive samba rhythm that is played on a type of drum called a surdo. The surdo is a bass drum that is essential to the samba beat and provides a deep, powerful sound that drives the rhythm forward.
Another popular samba music song is “Marcha da Colina,” which was composed by the Brazilian composer, Adoniran Barbosa. This song features a fast-paced samba rhythm that is played on a variety of drums, including the surdo, cavaquinho, and tamborim. The drumming in this song is particularly important because it helps to create a sense of energy and excitement that is essential to the samba style.
Importance of drumming in these songs
The drumming in samba music is incredibly important because it helps to create a sense of rhythm and momentum that drives the song forward. The surdo drum, in particular, is essential to the samba beat because it provides a steady, powerful rhythm that other instruments can play off of. The other drums, such as the cavaquinho and tamborim, add additional layers of rhythm and texture to the song, creating a rich and complex sound that is characteristic of samba music. Overall, the drumming in samba music is a crucial element that helps to create the energetic and lively sound that has made samba one of the most popular types of music in Brazil and around the world.
Tips for Learning Samba Drumming
Finding a samba music school or instructor
For those looking to learn samba drumming, finding a samba music school or instructor is an excellent way to get started. Here are some tips for finding the right fit for your learning style and needs:
Online resources
There are a variety of online resources available for those interested in learning samba drumming. Online classes and tutorials can be a great way to get started, as they offer the convenience of learning from home and the ability to learn at your own pace. Some popular online resources for samba drumming include:
- Online music schools, such as Berklee Online, which offer samba drumming courses.
- YouTube tutorials, which offer a wide range of samba drumming lessons from beginner to advanced levels.
- Samba drumming forums, which offer a community of fellow drummers to connect with and learn from.
Local resources
For those who prefer in-person instruction, there are a variety of local resources available. Many cities and towns have samba music schools or instructors who offer private lessons. To find a local samba music school or instructor, consider the following:
- Search online for samba music schools or instructors in your area.
- Ask for recommendations from fellow drummers or music enthusiasts.
- Attend local samba music events or performances, where you may be able to meet instructors or see samba drumming in action.
By taking the time to find the right samba music school or instructor, you can set yourself up for success and start your journey towards becoming a skilled samba drummer.
Basic techniques for playing samba drums
Holding the sticks
Holding the sticks correctly is crucial to playing samba drums with precision and control. The sticks should be held with the palms facing outward, with the fingers spread apart and the thumb resting on the top of the stick. The sticks should be held firmly but not tightly, with the tips of the fingers and the thumb slightly curved. This grip allows for better control over the sticks and helps prevent them from slipping during play.
Playing the surdo
The surdo is the largest drum in the samba kit and provides the rhythmic foundation for the music. To play the surdo, sit with your legs crossed and hold the drum with your right hand, placing the stick on the center of the drum. Place the other stick on the ground next to your left leg. Tap the drum with the stick in a steady rhythm, paying attention to the timing and accent of each beat.
Playing the repinique
The repinique is a smaller drum that plays a faster rhythm than the surdo. To play the repinique, sit with your legs crossed and hold the drum with your right hand, placing the stick on the center of the drum. Place the other stick on the ground next to your left leg. Tap the drum with the stick in a steady rhythm, paying attention to the timing and accent of each beat. The repinique should be played more quickly than the surdo, with a more syncopated rhythm.
Playing the caixa
The caixa is the highest-pitched drum in the samba kit and plays a fast, intricate rhythm. To play the caixa, sit with your legs crossed and hold the drum with your right hand, placing the stick on the center of the drum. Place the other stick on the ground next to your left leg. Tap the drum with the stick in a steady rhythm, paying attention to the timing and accent of each beat. The caixa should be played quickly and with precision, with a lot of syncopation and rolls.
It’s important to practice these basic techniques regularly to develop good hand-eye coordination and muscle memory. As you become more comfortable with the drums, you can start to experiment with different rhythms and variations. With time and practice, you’ll be able to play samba drums with confidence and skill.
Tips for improving samba drumming skills
Practice routine
Regular practice is essential to improve samba drumming skills. Start by setting aside a specific time each day to practice, and try to stick to it as much as possible. It is also helpful to break down the practice into shorter sessions throughout the day.
Listening to samba music
Listening to samba music can help you understand the rhythm and style of the music. Pay attention to the different instruments and how they work together to create the samba beat. Try to identify the different parts of the song and how they fit together.
Joining a samba music group
Joining a samba music group can provide a supportive environment for learning and improving samba drumming skills. You can learn from other members, receive feedback on your playing, and get opportunities to perform with the group. Additionally, being part of a community of samba musicians can help keep you motivated and inspired to continue improving.
FAQs
1. What is the name of the drum in samba music?
The name of the drum in samba music is called the “surdo”. It is a large, bass drum that is used to provide the rhythm and beat for the music. The surdo is usually played in a rhythm that is known as the “baião”, which is a syncopated pattern that is characteristic of samba music.
2. What does the surdo drum look like?
The surdo drum is typically a large, cylindrical drum with a diameter of around 20-30 inches. It has a distinctive shape, with a rounded bottom and a narrow neck that is used to hold the drumstick. The drumhead is usually made of synthetic material, such as plastic or vinyl, and is stretched tight over the drum.
3. How is the surdo drum played in samba music?
The surdo drum is played by holding the drumstick with one hand and striking the drumhead with the other hand. The player will use their dominant hand to control the rhythm and beat of the music, while their non-dominant hand is used to dampen the drumhead with a small cloth or sponge. This technique is known as “bote” and helps to create the characteristic “baião” rhythm.
4. Can anyone learn to play the surdo drum in samba music?
Yes, anyone can learn to play the surdo drum in samba music. It requires some practice and technique, but with dedication and patience, anyone can master the basics of playing the surdo. There are many resources available online and in-person, such as samba schools and drumming workshops, that can help you learn how to play the surdo and improve your skills.