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Cabasa
The cabasa is a percussion instrument of African origin that is constructed with loops of steel ball chain wrapped around a wide cylinder. The cylinder is fixed to a long, narrow wooden or plastic handle. It provides a metallic, rattling sound when shaken or twisted, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake. The cabasa is often used in Latin jazz, especially in bossa nova music. Precise rhythmic effects can be gained by the advanced player. The player places his non-dominant hand on the metal chain, to provide pressure, while holding the wooden handle with the other hand and twisting the instrument back and forth as per the rhythmic pattern desired. In addition to Latin music, many band and orchestra pieces call for the cabasa. The instrument is frequently used in music therapy.
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