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Capoeira Rhythms are composed of 3 basic sounds (at least the basic rhythms). This is how I break it down, use them if it is very useful to you, or share it with someone that is learning how to play Berimbau… By the way, to practice Berimbau rhythms you don’t need a Berimbau, it will help if you have one, but honestly, it is not 100% necessary!! (THIS IS HOW I LEARNED), however, talk to your Capoeira School leader to find one for you!
These 3 sounds are:
Xiado: with the rock very softly pressed against the wire
Don: rock/dobrado doesn’t touch the wire
Din: press the rock/dobrado hard against the wire
now that you have and recognize these 3, you are going to practice these sounds with your mouth first (I know, I know you are gonna feel silly, so what)
for example:
“Xiado” you are going to do the sound: xi xi xi xi xi
“Don”: don don don don
“Din”: din din din din
Practice this EVERY SINGLE TIME before you do it on the Berimbau!!
Practice those sounds every day with your mouth so you can recognize these sounds. If at some point you listen to capoeira music anywhere, pay attention to the Berimbau and try to copy/follow the sounds I just gave you with your mouth!! (JUST DO IT)
Rhythm practice:
Now we put them together in a specific pattern to do the first rhythm, “Angola”
makes this sound with your mouth – warning: don’t be shy to do so!
The are 2 xiados, 1 don, 1 din:
Angola Rhythm: xi xi – don – din – pause
Repeats over and over!
São Bento Pequeno
The are 2 xiados, 1 din, 1 don
It sounds like: xi xi – din – don – pause
It repeats over and over too
Practice these 2 with your mouth and with the berimbau so you can get into the more complex ones
São Bento Grande de Bimba
This one is a little more complex but it is pretty easy once you get it
I’m going to break it in 2 parts for you
The first part is:
1st: xi xi – don – xi xi – din
2nd: xi xi – don – don – din
It repeats over and over too
São Bento Grande de Angola
This one is a little easier and fun as well
It sounds like: xi xi – din – don – don
It repeats over and over too
All these sounds are very easy to practice, you just gotta commit and keep practicing with your mouth but especially with the berimbau and ask your teacher to help you practice some music and I am sure you are going to be able to play berimbau in a few months if you really really practice this tips and tricks.
Podcast Instagram: @podcastcapoeira
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Host: @harly_m
Capoeira Indianapolis: @CapoeiraIndianapolis
