Profile of the Maracas

Maracas. Photo Courtesy of Charles Machado
Updated November 12, 2009

Name of Instrument:

Maracas

Family:

Percussion

How to Play:

Maracas are perhaps one of the easiest music instrument to play since it only needs to be shaken to produce sound. Rhythm and timing is important when playing the maracas. A player can either shake it softly or vigorously depending on the type of music. Maracas are played in pairs.

First Known Maracas:

The maracas are believed to be inventions of the Tainos, they are the native Indians of Puerto Rico.

It was originally made from the fruit of the higuera tree which is round in shape. The pulp is taken out of the fruit, holes are made and filled with tiny pebbles and then it's fitted with a handle. The pair of maracas sound differently because the number of pebbles inside are unequal to give it a distinct sound. Nowadays, maracas are made from different materials such as plastic.

Musicians Who Used Maracas:

Maracas are used in the music of Puerto Rico and Latin American music such as salsa. The maracas is used in George Gershwin's Cuban Overture.

Additional Resource About Maracas:

Musical Maracas