Unmistakable in sound quality and character. This professional-level Cuica is used extensively in samba schools in Brazil and around the world.
 
This most unique and crowd-pleasing bateria instrument produces a sound close to that of a money. Hence why it is sometimes referred to as a monkey drum outside of Brazil. The membranophone is played using a wet cloth made from a specific material called gugorao. When wet, this cloth's unique raised weave gives it the perfect grip when rubbing the bamboo stick, which is attached to the head. This, in turn, vibrates the head. The player used the fingertips of their other hand to apply pressure to the front of the drumhead. Usually near the centre to where the stick is attached. The most typical patterns used mimic the famous telecoteco rhythm, which can also be heard played by many other instruments in the bateria.
The sound produced is like an itch. The only way to stop the itching is to dance.
 
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