Guiro

A guiro - or French bread - as it is also known, is a Latin American rhythm instrument that makes a ratchet-like sound. Some would say it sounds more like a frog. You can judge for yourself what you think.

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How do you play a guiro?

The guiro is usually made of wood and is hollow inside. On the outside it has a long series of grooves. You play it with a stick that you slide across the grooves. You can slide fast and slow, hard and light. This produces different sounds that can be used to create the rhythmic element of a musical arrangement.

Where does the guiro come from?

The guiro originated in Puerto Rico, where it was made from local fruit trees. Wooden guiros are still most common, but they are also available in plastic and metal.

This fun instrument has been nicknamed the "French bread" because it simply looks a bit like a French bread. Some people also call it a "fish" because of its elongated, fish-like shape.

If you've fallen in love with the guiro, this is where you can buy your own guiro. Or you can keep looking for other percussion instruments here.