Maracas

About the Sound and Character

The sound of maracas is rustling, granular, sharp, and rhythmically precise. With proper technique, they create a continuous pulsing grid (groove) that compels the body to move.

Structure and Features

Traditional maracas are made from dried hiegenro (calabash tree) fruits filled with seeds, small pebbles, or beans, fitted with a wooden handle. Modern counterparts are made of plastic or wood. They are always played in pairs (often tuned to slightly different pitches).

Genres

• Salsa, rumba, cha-cha-cha, bossa nova
• Latin American jazz and pop music
• Symphonic music (for Latin American flavor)