The basic samba pattern for caixa is simply a repetition of alternating single strokes with regular accents.

R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L

 

R = Right hand

R = Right hand accent

L = Left hand

 

This is the simplest pattern for samba on caixa. It mimics the sound of the turning tamborims, and this sound blends nicely with most other caixa samba patterns.

However there is a small catch, the pattern is not played "straight". In other words the spacing of the notes is not exactly even.

To get the samba feel, there needs to be a little bit of extra space around those strong accent notes, so it looks more like this:

 

R  L R L  R  L R L  R  L R L  R  L R L

 

The quieter left hand strokes are now snuggled closer around the soft right hand stroke. The accented note is standing on its own.

This is where samba gets its distinctive "swing". It's the magic sauce of samba.

To get this sound, the right hand continues to play at a steady, even tempo, but the left hand brings its two notes closer together.

If you were to listen to the left hand on its own, you would hear distinct pairs of notes.

Have a look at this video for a demonstration of this pattern at various tempos.

 

 

Now don't just take my word for it, check out the first few seconds of this workshop from Monobloco where they demonstrate the same pattern.

 

 

As always, start by practicing at a slow tempo, and only speed it up when you're comfortable. Take care to maintain the same level of "swing" feeling through all the tempos as you practice.

 

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When Does it Sound Right?

Here are some simple suggestions for how to know when your caixa sounds right:

• If people dance samba to your caixa, then it's right.

• If it's sounding metal, then dial up the swing a little.

• If it's sounding like a waltz, then ease up on the swing.