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Musical instruments that you shake come in various designs, shapes, forms, and colors. All these types have different sound qualities and serve different functions in music-making and cultural practices. Here are the most popular and widely used types of shaken musical instruments:
Maracas
Maracas are two-cavity percussion instruments made of wood, gourd, or plastic filled with beads, pebbles, or any small material that make a sound when the man moves them from side to side, up, or down. They are very popular in Latin American music, especially in salsa and mambo. They are often played to provide rhythm and are a staple in many Latin festivals, parties, and parades, especially those with cultural or musical significance relating to Latin heritage and culture.
Cabasa
Cabasa is a type of shaken percussion instrument made of a wooden or metal frame covered with a beaded wire design and a textured surface that is rubbed or shaken to make a raspy or rhythmic sound. It is mostly used in Afro-Brazilian and Latin music. Cabasa is used to add a distinctive syncopated rhythm to musical pieces.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a shaked rhythm instrument made from a hollow wooden cylinder filled with small stones, seeds, or beads that produce a unique shaky sound when its player tilts it from one end to the other. Sandals provide a soft, swirling sound that is often used in gentle, calming music and healing practices. Sandals are widely found in Indian classical and devotional music, where they accompany hymns and spiritual songs.
Shakers
Shakers are simple percussion instruments that are made up of a container filled with small objects like beads, sand, or any small material that make a sound when the container is tilted or shaken. Shakers come in many shapes, sizes, and forms, some of which are even made from natural materials such as bamboo, gourds, or seashells. They are commonly used in various music genres to add rhythmic texture and support.
Jingle Bells
Jingle bells's appropriate name is honestly jingle bars, crescent-shaped percussion instruments made from metal, iron, or steel, which are attached to a frame and are played by shaking them so that the pieces touch each other to produce a jingling sound. Jingle bars are widely played during festive music such as Christmas carols, traditional and folk music, and celebrations, dances, and other functions.
Musical instruments that require shaking come in so many different designs, each tailored to the materials used, the cultural background of the instrument, and the desired sound. Below are the several design features of shaken musical instruments:
Materials
The materials used in the manufacturing of shaken musical instruments have a pronunciation effect on the sound that will be produced. Wood, like maracas and cabasa, is used to make them produce warm, rich, and deep sounds. Gourd instruments, like the guiro and egg shaker, have a thick and resonant body, while those made of skin, bamboo, and brass have a bright and sharp sound. Plastic instruments are commonly found in modern settings due to their easy access and usage, in addition to offering almost the same sound as its wooden counterpart.
Shape and size
Shaken musical instruments also come in different shapes and sizes. Maracas, for instance, typically has a round head and a tapered handle, while other guitars may have a more elongated and flat shape. The shape directly affects the sound because smaller instruments tend to produce higher-pitched sounds, while bigger ones produce lower-pitched sounds. The size of the filled shaker or rattle affects the volume and the texture of the sound.
How to play
Shaken instruments are played basically through shaking, but the technique varies from instrument to instrument. The shaking rhythm, intensity, and direction provide different sound variations and articulations, thus making the players have good skills and control. For example, maracas are shaken in rhythmic patterns, while cabasa is shaken with a twisting motion to rub the beads on the textured surface.
Cultural significance
The designs of the shaken musical instruments are highly influenced by the cultures that use them. For instance, Latin American instruments like maracas are vital in their salsa and samba music. Asian cultures have their own unique shaken instruments that are part of their religious and cultural ceremonies.
Tuning and sound
Shaken instruments, unlike other instruments that need to be tuned, do not need much or any tuning at all. However, some instruments like tambourines have loose elements that can be adjusted, while others have adjustable parts that may need to be periodically repaid. The sound is generally a product of the interplay between the filling inside the shaker and the container along with its design.
Shakers, also called rattles or similar names, are percussion instruments that are played by shaking them to produce sound. Some are very simple and easy to play; all they require are a few small items placed in a container that are shaken to make noise. Others are complex, and players need to have some levels of expertise and experiences to handle them.
Using shakers in musical or rhythmic performance and activities is so easy because they are ubiquitous and portable. Here's how to use the:
Hold the shaker
Hold the shaker in one hand or both hands, depending on the size of the shaker. Balance the shaker so that it is comfortable for you to hold it, and be ready to shake it.
Shake
All one must do is move the shaker up and down, side to side, or in a circular motion to produce the desired rhythm or pattern. The key is to try and control the movement so that it produces a steady, even sound.
Rhythm
When shaking the shaker, try to set a rhythmic pattern by varying the speed at which it is shaken, the intensity of the shaking, and the duration of the shaking. This will produce different sounds that can be used in a musical context.
Combine with other instruments
Shakers can be easily combined or played together with other musical instruments to form a musical rhythm. For example, maracas or tambourine can easily accompany the guitar, piano, drum, or any other instrument for that matter, to create a full body sound.
Use in beats
In some performance areas and genres, shakers are used to provide supplementary rhythms or beats to the basic drum pattern. In hip-hop or electronic music, for example, virtual shakers are often added to give the beat more texture and swing.
Improvisation
One of the most exciting things about shakers is that they can be used for a lot of improvisation. Feel free to shake any rhythm, try different shaking techniques, and explore unique sounds with the shaker.
Sound quality
The first thing to consider when purchasing a shaking musical instrument is the sound it makes. Different instruments produce different sound qualities and sometimes even different tonalities when the holder shakes them. Therefore, it is best to listen to recordings of maracas, tambourines, rattles, and shakers and even test them out personally before getting them to ensure that they have the sound required for the intended use.
Craftsmanship and materials
When it comes to selecting shaken instruments, it is paramount to consider the quality of the materials used to make them. The typical instruments are made of wood, plastic, metal, and natural materials, including bamboo and gourds. All these have differences in the sounds they produce, and the quality of the instrument will affect the sound, the one in its aesthetics, and its durability.
Playability and comfort
The ease of playing the shaken musical instruments greatly depends on their design and physical appearance. Some instruments may be too big or heavy, making it difficult to carry and play. Also, consider the grip and the handle's comfort when purchasing a musical instrument.
Versatility and application
Another very important factor to consider is whether the instrument can be used in different music genres or cultural music. Some instruments are widely used in many music genres, while others are confined to one cultural sound. Furthermore, some shaking instruments can be used in many contexts, including live performances, studio recordings, and educational setups.
Size and portability
Shaken instruments also come in various sizes. While others are so portable that one can carry them around for a gig, some are large and heavy, needing a ride for stage performances. This is why one must carefully consider the instrument and its usage conditions before making a choice.
Bou mallets
Some shaken instruments, such as tambourines and cabasa, are accompanied by special mallets or beaters to play them. These mallets are generally made from different materials, such as wood, plastic, or natural fibre, with different striking sounds on the instrument. When purchasing these goods, it is very important to consider buying the appropriate mallets so that the sound will be the one desired.
A1: Some common examples of shaken musical instruments include shakers, maracas, tambourines, cabasa, and egg shakers, and all are percussion.
A2: When shaken musical instruments are shaken, they produce rhythm, which is then incorporated into musical compositions and performances as an underbeat.
A3: Shakers are the simplest known instruments that comprise a container filled with a substance that produces a rhythmic sound when the container is shaken. Other instruments, such as tambourines and maracas, have additional design features, such as heads and jingles, which make them produce different sounds.
A4: Yes, shaken instruments are used for many music purposes, from traditional to contemporary and world music, because they are based on rhythm.
A5: Shakers have a big role in live performances because they are used to beat the rhythm to make the audience connect with the music and feel the groove for dancing and enjoyment.
