Puerto rico cultural music instruments

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Puerto Rico has a rich musical culture that has been in existance for many years. While the island chain is a part of the wider Latin American musical community, Puerto Rican instruments are unique. Many of Puerto Rico's native instruments are noise makers and percussion devices invented by the native Taino people.

1. Gü-iro

   • The gü-iro has a long tradition of use in Puerto Rico, dating back to the native Taino community. The instrument is made from a hollow gourd in which is carved numerous parallel grooves. The gü-iro is held in the left hand by a hole carved in the back. The right hand holds a pua, or scraper, and draws it in a rhythmic fashion over the grooves. This instrument is central to Puerto Rico's musical culture, appearing throughout native and modern music.

   Maracas

   • Maracas define the traditional Puerto Rican musical sound. Maracas were historically made by hollowing a higuera fruit and filling the cavity with pebbles before attaching the maraca to a handle. Maracas are used in salsa music to provide an interesting and distinctive rhythm line. Maracas are one of Puerto Rico's oldest traditional instruments and are closely associated with the nation's fundamental culture.

   Palitos

   • Palitos are carefully shaped and molded sticks made from hardwood. When they are clapped together, they produce a loud sound. Players of the palitos can produce a variety of complex rhythms and tones from the instrumental sticks. Palitos appear in many areas of Puerto Rico's culture, including the rhumba and salsa dances.

   Cuatro

   • The cuatro is an instrument unique to Puerto Rico. It is modeled after the Spanish guitar. The cuatro takes its name from the earliest version of the instrument, which had only four strings. Today, the cuatro has six strings. The instrument produces a beautiful, rich tone and is an integral part of Puerto Rico's musical landscape. The cuatro has been important to Puerto Rico for more than 100 years, and the instrument's enduring popularity shows no sign of diminishing.

   Bongos

   • Bongos entered Puerto Rico near the beginning of the 20th century from African roots. The instrument consists of two drums which are held between the legs and rhythmically struck. Bongos are featured prominently in traditional Latin American music and can even be played solo.

Source: www.ehow.com

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