Maracas - also called rumba shakers - are hand-held shakers that are played in pairs in variety of styles, ranging from Latin, pop to even rock. This Latin American/Caribbean percussion instrument adds a satisfying 'drive' to the music and usually comes filled with beads or seeds that create different sounds depending on how hard you shake them. While the first maracas were made using hollowed-out gourds, nowadays, manufacturers generally opt for wood for plastic.
The Origins of Maracas
So, maracas are percussion instruments that were traditionally used by tribes across Central and South America. Tougher fruits such as gourds were hollowed out before being left to harden in the sun, after which the hard shells were filled with pebbles and finished with a handle. Traditionally, maracas were played at religious ceremonies since various indigenous tribes believed the sound of the shaker could keep evil spirits at bay. These days, they're often spotted in the hands of vocalists.
Playing Maracas and Other Shakers
Like any other shaker, maracas are used to hold a rhythm, by shaking the instrument rhythmically to create a strong back-beat that can guide the rest of the music. A common way to play the maracas is by shaking hard on every first count of the bar and softer on the rest of the notes.
Plastic and Wooden Maracas
A maraca can be made of wood or plastic. Plastic maracas sound a tad less warm than their wooden counterparts but are, on the other hand, cheaper to produce and, as such, more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maracas
How are maracas made?
Way back in the day, maracas were typically made of hollowed out gourds filled with pebbles. Nowadays, maracas are made of plastic, wood or leather and are filled with seeds, beads or synthetic material.
Where do maracas come from?
Maracas were originally used by Central and South American tribes.
How old are maracas?
Maracas were originally used by Central and South American tribe and it’s thought that the first maracas were played as early as the 14th century.
