Instruments
Cuatro
The cuarto is a guitar like instrument created in Puerto Rico and adapted from the Spanish guitar. Originally, the cuatro had four, or "quatro," strings but has since adapted to having two sets of five strings.
It is usually carved from a block of laurel wood, which helps to give it it's distinct pitch and resonance. It has a bridge like a classic guitar but is steel strung. The cuatro is played with a flatpick and sounds similar to a 12-string guitar and a mandolin. It is common in Plena and Jibaro music. |
GuiroThe guiro is a percussion instrument believed to be created by the native Taino people.
It was made of a hollowed-out gourd with grooves cut parallel running down the front. It is now made from wood. The guiro is played by holding it in the left hand with the thumb in the sound hole to keep it from moving. The right hand holds the scraper, or "pua," to play the instrument. This produces a rasping sound. It is common in Plena and salsa music. |
Barriles de BombaThere are two types of Bomba drums: the buleador and subidor. The drumbs are inspired by drums from African culture.
Early versions were made from stretching goat hide across the top of rum/tar/nail barrels possibly with fewer panels to decrease the circumference. The buleador is the larger drum that has a low bass tone. The drum is used to maintain a constant rhythm. The subidor is the smaller higher-pitched drum used for improvisational rhythms, responding to the movements of the dancers. The drums are the staple of Bomba music and dance. |