Introduction

The tamborim is a simple hand-held drum, 6 inches in diameter with a synthetic skin on one side. 

It is tensioned with 6 or 8 tension rods attached around the frame of the drum.

The tamborim is a small and lightweight. In its simplest form it can be used to play patterns of percussive cracks that accentuate the samba, just like clapping the hands. Being a small and light instrument, tamborim players are also free to dance while playing, usually to simple choreographies that a go with the playing style.

This isn't all there is to the tamborim though. By using a technique called "Turning" or "Virado" the speed of the tamborim is multiplied and it can deliver amazing speed and swing, with all the subtleties that make samba so good.

 

Here's a great video of Mocidade Alegre showing how much fun the tamborim can be.

 

 

If, like me, you think this is AWESOME then please read on!