Cabasas

How do you describe the sound of a cabasa? Maybe a bit like the sound of a rattlesnake? Or just the sound of metal chains rattling against each other. Whatever you think it sounds like, it's a danceable instrument at the exotic end of the scale.

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It doesn't take a lot of musical knowledge to start playing cabasa. But if you want it to sound extra good, it takes practice.

Learn to play the cabasa

Take the cabasa handle in one hand. With the other hand, hold the metal chains with light pressure. Using the handle, turn the instrument back and forth so that the chains produce the sound and rhythm you want to create.

So it's easy enough to start with. You can create slow and fast rhythms. Try to keep up with the music and develop your technique. Professional percussion musicians can get impressive rhythms out of the small, handheld instrument.

Are you ready to give it a try? Buy your cabasa on this page or browse for other percussion instruments here.