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Music is an integral part of Capoeira, and thus, the musical instruments of Capoeira cannot go unmentioned! In Capoeira, there are a variety of musical instruments. In traditional Capoeira Regional schools, only one Berimbau and two Pandeiros are used. In a Capoeira school of any other form of Capoeira, any variety of instruments may be used. However, there are specific instruments that are characteristic to Capoeira in general:

-The Berimbau-
The Berimbau is the most important instrument in Capoeira! It represents the Mestre of all Mestres, and commands the speed and type of game played in the roda. It is comprised of a long, arched bow of wood (Verga), about 5 feet long, with a steel string (Arame) tightly strung from one end to the other, and a gourd (cabaca) fastened to the lower portion by a string loop. It is held in one hand, with the cabaca braced against the abdomen. It is played by striking a wooden stick (baqueta) in the other hand, against the arame. In the same hand as the baqueta, a rattle basket (caxixi) accompanies the baqueta. In the hand that holds the Berimbau is held a coin or stone (dobrao) used to change the pitch of the Berimbau by pressing it against the arame. There are three types of Berimbau-
-Gunga: Largest Cabaca, lowest tone. This is the leader of all the Berimbaus. It plays the regular rhythm, without making any improvisations to the rhythm. The Gunga's rhythm never alters.
-Medio: Medium Cabaca, medium tone. This is the middle Berimbau. It plays the reverse of the main rhythm.
-Viola: Smallest Cabaca, highest tone. This is the most unique Berimbau. It plays constant improvisations to the main rhythm.
There are endless rhythms that can be played on the Berimbau.

-Pandeiro-
Almost identical to a Tambourine, but usually smaller and quieter.

-Atabaque-
A tall wooden hand drum, similar to a Conga, but more primitive, and with a flatter tone. It is considered sacred in the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomble.

-Agogo-
A set of two metal cones, one smaller and higher pitched than the other, attached together by a curved metal rod, held in one hand, and struck with a wooden stick in the other hand. Some Agog?ave three cones, but only two-coned Agog?re ever used in Capoeira.

-Reco-Reco-
A notched bamboo or metal scraper, held in one hand, and scraped by a wooden stick in the other hand. (This instrument tend to be used only in Angola).


All these instruments are used in Capoeira. But not always all at the same time. Different schools may use different combinations of the above instruments. They are, however, still a part of Capoeira.

I will leave this thread unlocked for discussion about instruments.

Hey, anyone know any good tutorials on stringing a berimbau? xp I haven't had time to get anyone to show me at class, and I fear snappage.