How to Make a Cuica

The cuica (also known as a puita, boi or onca) is a Brazilian friction drum that is used mainly for playing samba music. This project is easier then learning to samba.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Use a plastic cup or sturdy food container for your cuica.
2. Hammer a nail through the bottom of the cup to make a hole. Make another hole 1/2 inch away from the first one.
3. Thread a 3-foot piece of waxed dental tape or floss through both holes so that the ends are inside the cup. Make sure the ends are the same length.
4. Tie a knot as close to the holes as possible. This is to keep the string from sliding out as you play the instrument. The knot should be on the inside of the cup and the tails should hang out of the cup's mouth.

Play the Cuica

5. Hold the strings in one hand and the cup in the other.
6. Slide your fingers along the string. Friction is the key, so experiment with the sounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Shorten the string if it's cumbersome or to obtain higher pitched sounds.
• Don't let young children make their own holes. Supervise older children carefully.