The chocalho, or samba shaker, is essential for creating the swinging groove. This instrument is made of an aluminium or wooden frame with a number of rows, each equipped with pairs of jingles (platinelas). The chocalho is played by shaking it back and forth and pumping the arms up and down.
Chocalhos are typically used to support the sound of the caixas, in order to sustain the rhythm in the bateria.
