Instruments

The Guayo: A Unique Afro-Cuban Instrument with Deep Roots
The guayo, a humble yet vital percussion instrument in Cuban music, has a rich history that intertwines with Afro-Cuban traditions. Classified as a “vascular scraper idiophone,” the guayo produces sound...
El Tres Cubano Construction
What is a Tres Cubano? The typical tres cubano is a mango shaped instrument of the guitar family which evolved in Cuba. Commonly it is called “el tres”, but is...
The Quijada: Afro-Cuban Rhythms Rooted in Traditions
The quijada, or jawbone, is an iconic Afro-Cuban percussion instrument with a unique sound and an ancient history. Traditionally made from the lower jawbone of a horse, mule, or donkey,...
Claves The Composers Best Friend Cuban Music
The claves are a musical instrument of Cuban origin and are classified as a member of percussion family. The instrument is comprised of two separate wooden sticks that are cylindrical...
The Cuban Laud (Lute): A Unique Musical Heritage
The Cuban lute, or "laúd cubano," is a fascinating instrument that has played a significant role in shaping Cuba's rich musical landscape. Derived from the Spanish lute, this instrument found...
Marimbula
The Marimbula belongs to sansa family of that originated from the Bantu cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. The sansa instruments create sound by plucking or striking the metal fingers. Sansas also...
La Campana – Cowbell
There are many people who don’t understand the importance of the campana (cowbell) in Cuban music. Even though the bongo player usually plays the parts, if there is no bongo...
Bongos the Most Cuban Instrument
This Cuban musical instrument was born in the context of the complex musical styles that pertain to the Son, in the mountainous regions of the eastern extreme of the country....
Cuban Tres – Tres Cubano 3 String Cuban Guitar
he first thing to understand about the Cuban tres is that it is a rhythm instrument. Even though it looks like a guitar, the actual playing of it is rhythmic...
Bata Drums Sacred Drums Cuba
The batá drums are the sacred instruments of Cuban Santería. They are made up of three hourglass-shaped drums of different sizes that perform specific musical functions. Their main religious function...
Scroll to Top