Dende Arts

Capoeira Instruments

Berimbaus

The core of the Capoeira bateria. This instrument is iconic to the art of Capoeira and needed in order to have a roda. A traditional angola bateria, and most modern rodas have three berimbaus. All of them play a specific role in the roda, but all are respected and usually played by the most senior people in the roda. Here are the three most important types of berimbaus.

  1. GUNGA – deepest pitch and leader of the three berimbaus and the roda
  2. MEDIO – Middle pitch and adds flavor to the rhythms
  3. VIOLA – Highest pitch and adds a lot of flavor to the rhythms
  4. DISCOUNT for all 3 berimbaus (Discounted price if you purchase all 3 berimbaus at one)

Pandeiro

A percussion instruments played in the Capoeira bateria. This instrument is extremely versatile and can be played in many different ways. Pandeiros are used for Capoeira, Samba, and other music genres. A Capoeira pandeiro usually has 5 zills (the shaky things) and is 10 inches in diameter. This is not a hard and fast rule, though it is most common. If the Capoeira Pandeiro is too expensive, below is a discounted option from Amazon. Maybe not the same sound, but great for practice and can be used in a pinch.

  1. Capoeira Pandiero – The traditional Capoeira Pandeiro with tuner
  2. Value Pandeiro – Sound amazing for the price. Not tunable.

Atabaque

The Atabaque is the heartbeat of the bateria. The vintage atabaques are absolutely beautiful and produce incredible sound. They are not the “original” atabaques used in the rodas of the old Mestres, but they are widely used today because of their beauty and terrific sound. The congas are more simple, cheaper, and more closely related to the simple drums that might have been used in the early Capoeira days. Go vintage if you like the style, but go conga if you’re on a budget. Both are adequate for a Capoeira roda.

  1. Vintage Atabaque – Unmatched in beautify and sound. As much a piece of art as it is an instrument.
  2. Conga – Good price and will produce a fantastic sound

Reco -Reco

Reco-reco is an instrument that ads great value to the rhythm of the bateria. It was honestly hard to find a Reco-reco that was not produced in China, but here it is. A solid Reco-reco that you can use in your roda at a good price. This instrument is not “required” in a Capoeira roda, but if you get a chance to include it, definitely do so.

  1. Reco-reco – Also known as guiro in latin america. Great for newbies to learn rhythm and participate in the roda.

Agôgô

The agogo is loud and helps the other instruments stay on beat. This instrument can be made out of metal or castanha. Metal tends to have a much higher pitched sound is sometimes muted so it doesn’t drown out the other instruments. Castanha looks more elegant and has an earthier sound. Either can be used in a Capoeira roda, though some teachers may have a preference to one or the other.

  1. Agogo of Castanha – Earthier sound with an elegant look
  2. Agogo of metal – Higher pitch and much louder than an Agogo made of Castanha

Samba Instruments – Coming Soon!

Samba Pandeiro

Coming soon!

Snare Drum

Coming soon!

Surdo

Coming soon!