February 9th, 2014
The Guiro, Puertorican Percussion Instrument, Gourd, Traditional Puertorican Music, La Isla Del Encanto, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is pretty popular this year. Many visitors looking for the swaying palm trees and warm weather. Too cold and snowy this winter.
Visiting the island of Puerto Rico is not just basking in the warm sun…the island is full of history.
When I saw the man selling the guiro I had to take his picture. I was never an expert playing this percussion instrument, but I don’t think you need to. Just play it.
The guiro is a traditional Puertorican music instrument believed to have originated from the Tainos. It is a notched hollowed-out instrument.
It is made by carving the shell of the gourd and carving parallel fluting on its surface.
To play it hold it on your left hand with the thumb inserted into the back hole to keep it in place. The right hand holds the scraper and plays the instrument. Check the photo above.
The scraper is also called a “pua”. Scrape up ad down. The guiro is usually played by a singer. It is more for folk music than for salsa.
See you!!
Tags: Activities, Folk Music, Percussion Puertorican instrument, Puerto Rico, The Caribbean, The Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, The guiro, The Puertorican Guiro, Things to do at the beach, Visit Old San Juan, Visit Puerto Rico, Walk the Princesa Paseo, What to do at the beaches
Was this in the princess paseo? I was looking for a guiro there but could not find that man.
Yes it was!!