Playing Maracas: Learn the Rhythms!

Maracas, also called rumba shakers and various other names, are percussion musical instruments-rattles-that originated in Latin America. Players hold them by their handles, usually in pairs, and shake them. Traditional maracas consist of hollow balls made from dried gourd shell (cuia "koo-ya") or coconut shell filled with seeds or dried beans and mounted on a wooden handle. Modern maraca balls are also made of leather, wood, or plastic.
Practice playing the maracas with instruments found at: amzn.to/1X5zYau
Often, one ball is pitched high and the other low. The word maraca is thought to have come from the Tupi language of Brazil, where it is pronounced 'ma-ra-KAH'. They are known in Trinidad, Dominica and the French Antilles as shac-shacs. The leather maracas were introduced in 1955 by a Venezuelan percussionist.
Maracas are a simple instrument, but require modest skill to play in time to music. When the player changes the direction of motion to produce the sound, the seeds or dried beans must travel some distance before they hit the hard outer surface. This creates a slight delay that requires that the player anticipate the rhythm. Players also strike maracas against their hand or leg to get a different sound.
Learn the basic maraca rhythms and patterns in this video lesson.
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Latin Percussion Instructor: Edgardo Cambon
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[@milliehumphries3916]

You are really good with those maracas!!!🤩

[@D.2023]

Finally an English tutorial on maracas where the instructor actually slows down and explains each and every motion. Thanks a lot! I wish there were full series on different maracas and all major rhythms.. I bought Meinl MSM3 elongated maracas (ironically called "the traditional"), and gosh they are hard to stop precisely, because of the very little filling (5-10%) made of very small grains. Even the simplest motion is not simple and sends grains all over the place. Quick crisp hard stops with no reverb is a trial, I am not mentioning doubles. Never imagined such a simple instrument will infuriate me so much, haha. I am considering LP percussion maracas, they seem to have more filling of coarser material. I will keep trying with these for a while though

[@RodrigoMunozCarrasco]

Finally a youtube video from someone who knows how to play them and teach them, bravo maestro Cambon

[@dancepapi]

+Rodrigo Muñoz Very kind of you to say!

[@andrewspencer4140]

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[@andrewspencer4140]

kuhhvvcccgvvg

[@thegilfactortv]

Thank you!

[@jimmyjazz8325]

Great video, wicked t-shirt!

[@charlotte1831]

Thank you for the good instructions.

[@melindalim482]

Stick to what swings!!!!! Watching you move with the maracas and sing is inspiring!

[@jorgeriverab_]

Thank u so much, very helpful, viva la salsa! saludos desde Colombia

[@vhcgamer]

Thank you maestro for this video that inspires me a lot to learn this instrument well

[@dancepapi]

Glad to hear that!

[@fleebin2794]

Excellent Instruction! Thank you!

[@SatanicJamnic]

Sir. Thank you so much. This video gived me confidence to make a decision and buying my first maracas! Awesome teacher you are.

[@rubencasarez17]

Beautiful Hermano!

[@luceneidert8238]

This is the best video to learn how to play the Maracas! I'm working with all the videos I can find on KZbin, but this is the only one where everything is well explained - and with humour. I just love this video!

[@witterth]

Superb tuition thank you!!

[@libelle8124]

I got myself a pair of Maracas, arrived today and then I started looking for how to use them and found this video. Mine are the standard types, the ones with green and red a black palm tree. I've tried following your advice in here and had such fun, but now my arms are hurting :-) . Still, I will carry on. It's amazing that, ones you found the right rhythm, the whole body just joins in. It's the most fun work-out I've ever done. I'm end 50, by the way, and never learned an instrument. Starting with Maracas is great for late beginners, I think :-)

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for watching our video and happy playing!

[@karenjones326]

Thanks Dance Papi. You are a wonderful teacher. Can you please do another maracas video? Thanks

[@Ninasim123]

Thank you, teacher! A Brazilian learning to play maracas! Liked the simple beat you show from Cuban old school because it was easier for me. I was given some maracas from México. They sound really good.

[@Uzigutierrez0726]

This was amazing

[@eduardoguilarte1948]

2 things I've wanted to learn maracas and guiro!

[@majmambo]

Awesome and thank you for the great tips !

[@maraqueroboricua8488]

Eres un Maestro

[@AlbertoSantana-el7ps]

Mil gracias Papi. Desde Tampa, de un cocolo Boricua súper agradecido!❤

[@annaanisa7388]

I have a beautiful set of maracas from a Puerto Rican festival event where I live and I want to learn how to play them with my salsa music!!! Love your advice!!!!

[@DavidmarcM]

Muchas gracias, con il tuo video ho potuto laurearmi al conservatorio di musica giovedì 27 cantando e suonando las maracas su Tres Palabras 😊 graciassssss

[@joeseguin2466]

God Bless you brother, your helping me with with all the Calve, Maracas, and others to make music in the church. Thank you !

[@dancepapi]

Thank you Joe!

[@darrellburke3108]

Great video! I don't know about the LP plastic maracas, but I bought some very similar Mienls. The giant plastic chunks inside these made them deafening, shrill and awful ... but a trip to the dollar store and some vase gravel to replace that give a much better sound and also a nice heft and response.

[@emmadonaldson6901]

i love it thank you so much

[@boricuaterp]

Your lesson was amazing. Bought my maracas a couple of days ago, so I’m going to practice to some Sonora Ponceña (Ramona) and Hector Lavoe (Vamos a reír un poco) Where can I buy a shirt like yours?

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for your comment. The shirts can be purchased at: estiloclothing.com/

[@pipilazz4u]

Thank you very much for the wonderful video. it is very inspiring to learn Cuban songs. I am Russian-speaking, and unfortunately I do not know Spanish well yet, but I really like Cuban music, I became interested in it after I got acquainted with the songs of the Post-Soviet ensemble "Grenada". Thanks to the fact that the video in English made it much more accessible and understandable for me, since for our region you have to know at least a little English, so I think it helps to popularize Cuban music, not only for those who know Spanish and this is very important for then to start learning it! Now I can try to learn such a song under maracas, and sing it to my friends, inspiring them to be interested in the same. Thank you very much for the passionate and good lesson, and it would be great to have more such great lessons!

[@中山瑞穂-g5w]

I was trying to learn dance instructor at the Latino Bar in Tokyo.He taught me rhythm for the basic rhythm. It was fun to learned about the rhythm and instrument. Muchas Gracias.

[@associationmascache4801]

Back from Cuba to France I would like to play like you. Promise I will try. Congratulation !!!

[@annetee6567]

Great performance!! One of the often underestimated instruments... Yesterday I bought my first maracas! They got fine seeds inside so they sizzle much more. Very different sound to what you have. I think the rough ones are more precise. I´ve got two different tones what I like very much. Thanks for the inspiring lesson!

[@dancepapi]

Awesome! Happy playing!

[@leecox1513]

Great video. Just bought my first pair of maracas and followed your advice on using the left hand for the constant beat, using the right hand for the "interesting" flourishes. It will take some practice, and will be a bit different from playing a snare drum. Thanks for providing the basics. Looks like I have some work to do before I have to play in one week for my concert band event. I will play the maracas for Leroy Anderson's "Serenata," which is basically a beguine. Should be fun!

[@Eddysuconga]

Hi Lee, Thanks for your nice comments and support to this KZbin channel. Good luck with your concert, keep it simple and on time, and it will be great!

[@zohirabr8816]

Cuban style sounds great

[@rosaisabella7829]

Started mi primera training today at 7.30 am 😀 May 9th 2021, muchisimas gracias for teaching ✌🏽

[@domingoclave]

Grandissimo Maestro!Eccellente nella spiegazione e didattica.

[@TheRoseCat6_11]

technical timestamps: 2:59 grip 4:23 rhythm 1 (basic 8 notes) 5:51 how to hold 8:05 which hand for high/low 8:50 rhythm 2 (basic "addon") 9:57 how to do rhythm 2 12:07 more on rhythm 2 15:43 rhythm 2 with double both hands 14:55 rhythm 3 (puerto rican feel) 16:42 how to do rhythm 3 17:33 rhythm 3 explanation 18:52 important note

[@nikolkonstante5393]

Very inspiring and good teacher! Thank you!

[@GGibert]

One of the best player (wich I don't know the name) is the maraquero del Cuarteto Patria. Especially on the son "El manicero" by Manu Dibango...

[@ETiDeQuenVesSendo]

This information you are giving us is pure gold. Thank you very much

[@tracykuhn6284]

This is great. I want to play these at our drum circle just to add some sound variety. Thanks for posting.

[@danaeblancoartista7431]

Me encantó la clase! Ahora entiendo como tocar las maracas! Gracias!

[@tatianerocha9301]

Olá! Sou Tatiane, brasileira. Procurei um vídeo que ensinasse a tocar maracas, para tocar uma salsa com meus professores de dança e, por acaso, encontrei esse. Ele é bastante didático. Adorei e consegui fazer as batidas. Muito obrigada!

[@dancepapi]

Obrigado por assistir meu vídeo!

[@rubendiaz615]

Thanks for the inspiring lesson!

[@maxmontoya8919]

maestro, que forma mas profesional y sencilla de enseñar, mañana mismo hago mis maracas pero de coco y palo atravezado y seguiré viendo su video hasta aprender, felicitaciones.

[@dancepapi]

Gracias Max!

[@eddyvieraable]

You're an excellent teacher. Thank you. I'm also following your conga lessons.

[@dancepapi]

+Eddy Viera Thank you Eddy! More videos to come!

[@rayday1717]

This is a fantastic video lesson, you are a great teacher! Thank you!

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@kofiohene-dokyi6363]

Wonderful lesson! Muchísimas gracias comparre!

[@daveedwards1257]

Nice nice nice explanation. I love all your videos and learn a lot with each one 🙂 Bongo Dave - Good Happens / Love Shall Prevail ✌️😎🥁💕🎷🎶🎸🤗💙🌎👍🌲🌲🌲

[@congerscott6064]

Sweeet ! i can't wait to get a set, looks like a lot of fun 👍😁😀.

[@TuboInfo]

💥🎶🪇🤔How is it that no one speaks too much about the difference on sounds and weight of the maracas… which is the highest pitch and low and what hand it goes, if you can elaborate…Gracias por tus videos🎶💥🌴🇵🇷✌🏽

[@sandrabermudez791]

You are amazing and a great teacher, I love how you jam and show us how we hope to sound one day...lol gracias

[@dancepapi]

Thanks so much!

[@pepitoalpalito]

Ese percusionista Venezolano se llamaba Pablo Landaeta alias pan con queso hoy su hijo sigue esa tradicion originalmente las primeras maracas de cuero que el fabrico fue para la guaracha y posteriormente para la salsa, pero ya habia inventado el bongo de tres llaves a partir del bongo cubano, este bongo de 3 llaves es el bongo que todos conocemos hoy en todas las orquestas y no se trata de otra cosa que poder afinar de manera rapida y efectiva un bongo.

[@JVelazquez30]

Your tutorials are the best!!! Thank you for putting so much detail in these!!

[@iiAngelic]

My whole life led up to this

[@girlmeetsboynfallsn]

M. |>

[@jovaras3287]

U alive?

[@olu292]

Shush ur mouth

[@alphabased3204]

Mine has nowhere to go from here

[@ginabonina6427]

Now I can dust off all my maracas sitting in a vase like a bouquet of flowers!! LOL

[@chrisblue1515]

Such an excellent teacher!!!!!

[@limoncello2214]

Great video! I've been practicing every day during my lunch break. Getting better each week!

[@stevecarter8810]

Best English Language maraca video yet! Wonderful stuff, thanks

[@dancepapi]

We agree! :-)

[@trevorsalloum3643]

Love it! Wonderful workshop Edgardo.

[@dancepapi]

Thank you Trevor!

[@Siafa]

YOU ARE AMAZING. I LEARNED THE BASICS FROM THAT VIDEO. i send you my love from Greece !

[@dancepapi]

+SiafaSax Θαυμάσιος! :-) We're thrilled you find our videos helpful!

[@Siafa]

hehe.. and this guy is amazing! i love his joy when he plays. He plays and you can see he loves it! keep going

[@JWalterHawkes]

Thank you Papi for this great instruction. Now that I have some basics, I’ll log in many hours of playing along with records before I attempt to bring my newfound talent to the bandstand haha. I’ve also enjoyed your instruction on the bongos. Gracias!

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for the kind comments!

[@Berkcam]

I have just subscribed to the Dance Papi chanel... what a great source of EVERYTHING for a novice Bongocero like myself. I have Maracas - but don't know how to work them, I want a Guiro - but don't know how to work it, I have Bongos - and will now get better. Thanks Papi for making sense of it all!

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@jasoneddy8011]

Gracias, hoy es mi primer clase con este video! me trajeron unas maracas "Pan con queso" de venezuela, vivo en Argentina y soy de Colombia! viva la musica!

[@dancepapi]

+Jason Ferreira Que viva! :-)

[@DETROITBULLET]

Thanks ive owned them for several years and played them but did nt have the proper groove fundimentals this was great fun to learn them and good for conga arms also !,

[@dancepapi]

Happy Practicing!

[@evmanbutts]

I usually play guitar but use percussion to practice my timing. Thanks for posting this video, it helped me correct my technique as I was holding the maracas with firm arms, without realizing it was complicating things!

[@Prospero1960]

Excellent video - probably the best explanation and demonstration of maracas I've seen here. I'm a piano player and teach a latin music workshop in London, and I'm always looking for material to share with students. Maracas appear deceptively simple, but playing them well IN TIME is areal art, as I try to explain when someone picks them up and starts trashing a tune! Thanks very much Edgardo, and hope you post more videos like this.

[@dancepapi]

More videos to come soon! Salud!

[@hildacapacite8622]

Great!

[@JOHN_WICK_101]

Awesome

[@rustyshackleford3647]

Great lesson! I will study this.. I'm new at the maracas. I first bought a small wooden set.. after seeing this I bought some Pearl naturals.. now I can keep up better. I can't wait until I really start catching on. I love that I can toss them into my backpack and practice on a walk/hike with or without headphones jamming

[@dancepapi]

Happy practicing!

[@alubi92]

Grande Maestro!, cada vez que veo este video me alegras el dia y aprendo algo nuevo que antes no habia notado. Dios te pague. Saludos de un Colombiano en Francia.

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@PanAmRhythmMan]

Those green maracas sound great...and I also own those Made in China red plastic maracas that I actually prefered over Lp plastic model because of the filler material being less bulky / heavy. Still...I like to disassemble them and experiment with filler materials and tune my maracas. The Maracas I played from Venezuela & Colombia have always been my favorite...since they are probably most used and with a longer tradition than even in the Cuban etc music genres that recieve maracas tradition from Venezuela is what I am told.

[@pabloacevedo8677]

THANK YOU TEACHER VERY GOOD. FROM COSTA RICA

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

Thanks maestro. I been playing maracas For some time now. But I been playing it Machetaso style. Lol Now I finally got it.. Thanks

[@Melasuma]

Very good lesson! Thank you very much!

[@dancepapi]

Gracias!

[@walterkersting1362]

Done right they are the perfect compliment.

[@stevepatrickjarvis]

Impressive.

[@irontoes9084]

Superb playing and instruction. Nice video!

[@milanthedrummer]

Excellent teaching! Thank you very much!

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@pablolucia466]

sos un crack hermano

[@larspetersen7196]

Ya escribí la parte del bongó para un arreglo de bolero. Ahora ya quedé listo para escribir las maracas. Gracias!

[@jaisentorres7607]

Best video i found thus far on maracas

[@sidneylutara9786]

This channel is so good. Thx a lot for this amazing teachings. 👍

[@dancepapi]

Thank you Sidney!

[@ianoxtc1]

complimentissimi.

[@dianalifeisgood]

Thank you so much! Brings back memories...

[@dancepapi]

Our pleasure!

[@BrotherBrownMusic]

Great video, but it would even better if you also talked about how to control the upstrokes, as they are clearly very important for how the sense of swing and feeling is created :)

[@dkvladutu2]

well, he did, he said: let them happen

Just to add my thanks to all of those previous students. I am a tresero who has finally gotten around to learning some of the other instruments in Cuban ensembles. Viva la música cubana!

[@dancepapi]

Que viva! :-)

[@_danvibes_]

Edgardo! Si no estoy mal, las maracas de Colombia son hecho con semillas de achila

[@LDEPOV]

Nice demonstration! I was jamming along with you!

[@dancepapi]

Rock on!

[@mauroFsc1972]

Maracas color verdes son de el taller de El piernas de Cali Colombia...!!

[@rafaelcaballero2249]

He visto todos los totorales de maracas... pero este sin duda ha sido mas el mas claro... tengo una base mejor establecida ahora! Gracias!!!!

[@dancepapi]

Gracias Rafael!

[@salserisimo73]

Bien explicado

[@kellymanas6133]

Great lesson!

[@alubi92]

Grande Maestro! , mil gracias por compartir y felicitaciones por ese don maravilloso que es el saber comunicar tu arte.

[@dancepapi]

+alubi92 Salud!

[@SoulCaptureByChavez]

Wow, amazing instruction, yet again! I bought a guiro a few months back and your lesson on guiros was the best by far. Now I was thinking of buying maracas and this outstanding video has me sold to buy a pair. Thank you Dance Papi!

[@dancepapi]

Happy to hear! Happy playing!

[@roloman8]

Edgardo gracias por enseñarme a tocar las maracas. Tel vez lo tengo en la sangre pero en dos días logre seguir el ritmo sin perderme en la canción de salsa. :) Dios te bendiga!

[@Eddysuconga]

+Rolando Quinones Gracias a ti por practicar y visitar mis videos. Me alegro que te resultó el método de enseñanza. Que viva la música! Edgardo.

[@roloman8]

+Edgardo Cambon por favor haga más vídeos de conga como afinación y mantenimiento de las congas. Blondos tan bien sería bueno. Mi esposa me va a matar por qué he visto los vídeos más de 20 veces jajajajajajaja. Un abrazo y Dios lo bendiga! Arriba Puerto Rico !

[@roloman8]

+Sorry Bongos!

[@mcneillmama50]

I love your videos. You are so full of rhythm and rhyme. These would sound great on some of the Beach Boys music-Sloop John B and Under the Boardwalk

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@radiorob7543]

I sometimes see musicians holding 2 maracas in each hand. What's the advantage to that?

[@loopgamboa4618]

Gracias, le mando saludos de algún lugar en el país mexicano!

[@ayanaj1006]

Thank you for this tutorial! Greetings from Trinidad and Tobago!

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidmarcM]

Bello interessante ed utile!!!