Shakers

a vibrating percussion instrument held in your palm

The shaker, also known as ganza in parts of Africa and Latin America, is a percussion instrument belonging to the idiophone family. Its sound is produced by the friction or collision of small objects (seeds, beads, sand grains, etc.) enclosed in a container that is shaken.
Forms of shakers can be found in various musical cultures: Africa, South America, Asia, Oceania… It is an ancient instrument, likely born from everyday objects repurposed for rhythmic use—gourds filled with seeds, shells filled with pebbles or seashells.

A shaker typically consists of a hollow body filled with loose small elements. The materials vary depending on the culture, musical tradition, or desired use:
– Wood, bamboo, wicker, or gourd for traditional shakers
– Plastic or metal (aluminum, steel) for modern models
– Shapes can be cylindrical, egg-shaped, tubular, or even double-spherical

The body material, type, and density of the inner elements (metal beads, rice grains, sand, glass beads…) greatly influence the tone and texture of the shaker’s sound.

Playing techniques

The shaker is held in one or both hands and shaken to produce a rhythmic continuous or accentuated sound.
Techniques may vary depending on the musical style:
– Simple shake: horizontal or vertical back-and-forth to maintain a steady pulse
– Accents: sharp hits to mark beats or syncopations
– Quick trembles or rocking for a “sandy” or textured effect

The shaker can be used solo, as a pair (one in each hand), or alongside another instrument (e.g., one hand on a tambourine or djembe, the other on the shaker).

Contemporary evolution and current uses

Widely used in traditional African, Brazilian (like samba or bossa nova), and Latin American music, the shaker has also been adopted into a variety of genres: jazz, funk, pop, contemporary classical, electronic, and world music.
Thanks to its portability, simplicity, and efficient sound, the shaker is also a great educational tool for introducing children to rhythm. Recording studios often use it to add subtle texture to a rhythm section.
Today, electronic or hybrid versions (with MIDI sensors) also exist, integrating the shaker into modern setups.

Explore the Power of the Shaker

Small in size, big in rhythmic impact, the shaker is an indispensable ally for any percussionist seeking groove, texture, and finesse.

Try out different shaker models on our Crush Percussion platform and let yourself be surprised by the richness of this minimalist yet essential instrument.

shaker in Crush percussion