In today’s post, I want to talk a little about a different topic, playing the berimbau. Being able to play this instrument well is an important part of being a well rounded capoeirista, but it can be difficult to motivate oneself to work on this skill without a well defined plan. So, I just wanted to share with you some of the exercises I have used to develop and improve my own playing, so that it might help you learn and be inspired to work even harder.

Most of the time when people try to learn the berimbau they only spend time practicing the different rhythms or “toques” used in the Capoeira roda. While this is extremely important to do, it doesn’t lend much to developing the actual techniques of playing this instruments. One could know how to play the different toques well, but if they lack the skills to make the instrument sound alive and crisp, then their playing will always sound subpar. Therefore, I think the best way to use your time in practicing the berimbau is to first do some exercises that work solely on technique, then move on to practice the actual rhythms you need to know.

The exercise for technique I have had a lot of success with is one I have adapted from marching band drummers called “Single, Double, Triples”. These are essentially three different rhythmic patterns that develop your timing, transitions between notes, and speed. Since the berimbau is a percussion instrument, it only makes sense that exercises that help other percussionists would work here as well. In the following video, I demonstrate these three different patterns.

I have spelled out the rhythms below as well to help you follow along:

0 = open tone

1 = closed tone

x = scratch

Singles:

0-0-0-1-0-0-1-0 — 0-0-0-1-0-0-1-0 — 0-0-0-1-0-0-1-0 — REPEAT

Doubles:

0-0-x-0-0-x-0-0-x-0-0-x-1-1 — 0-0-x-0-0-x-0-0-x-0-0-x-1-1 — REPEAT

Triples:

0-0-0-x-0-0-0-x-0-0-0-x-1-1 — 0-0-0-x-0-0-0-x-0-0-0-x-1-1 — REPEAT

At first, practice these patterns very slowly, and focus on getting clear, loud notes on each hit. As you become more comfortable, start increasing speed, pushing to get a little faster each time you practice. I also recommend practicing these without a caxixi. The shaker can often hide imperfections in your notes, and when practicing technique and tone you want to be able to hear the sounds you are making as clear as possible.