The Surdo is a Brazilian bass drum and is usually played with one hand and a mallet. In a batería, there are at least three surdos, playing three different patterns. With their deep bass, surdos are used to keep time and form the backbone of the music. The first and biggest surdo is also known as the macasao. The varying tones of differing surdo sizes inject a melodious element to the bass line of the band.

The Caixa is a Brazilian snare drum. The caixa’s continuous beats form the driving force behind the band and brings the energy level of the groove to another level. Ghost notes are played with pronounced strokes and syncopated accents outlining the overall rhythm and accentuating the unique Brazilian samba swing.

The Repinique also plays an integral part in a batería. It is often played with only one short drum stick, with the non-master hand used to slap the surface of the drum skin. The repinique, which is of distinctively high sound, is a lead instrument in giving the calls and breaks in a composition. It is also frequently used in solos.

The Agogo comes in quite a few shapes and forms but always consist of a minimum of two tones. The sound made by striking a wooden stick against the agogo’s two metal bells produces a upper and lower tone.

The Chocalho is a large loud aluminium samba shaker with three rows of steel jingles. This heavy duty instrument makes a real difference to the sound of any samba percussion band, helping to establish the underlying rhythm and supporting the caixa. Just like the surdos, it plays a role in maintaining the timing for the band as well.

The Tamborim is a small hand-held drum, played with a plastic beater. One of the most distinct instruments in the band due to its high pitch and volume, the tamborim’s rhythm is easily distinguished above the other instruments in the band. It is also a constant feature during grooves and breaks and complements the caixa in maintaining the samba swing.