How to Make a Guiro

A güiro is an instrument that is used mainly in Latin American music. Making a güiro is simple; but you can go the extra mile and decorate it to make the guiro more elaborate. All you need to make a simple güiro is a calabash gourd and a sharp knife.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Dried calabash gourd
• Knife
• Scraper (for playing)

1. Take a dried calabash gourd and carve off the stem end. This allows the sound to escape from the güiro. Shake the seeds out of the stem end and hollow out the dried calabash gourd.
2. Carve two holes in one side of the dried calabash gourd. These holes must be big enough for the thumb and index finger to fit through. You use these holes to hold the güiro in place while playing it.
3. Make deep groves on the other side of the dried calabash gourd. These grooves are what makes the music. You play the güiro by scraping a stick, bamboo shoot or other scraper up and down the gourd.
4. Use paint to make designs on your güiro. By painting your güiro, you make it your own personal creation. When you take it to parties, or fiestas, you can impress your friends by showing them what you've made. You can also use wood burners to burn designs into your güiro and give it a more rustic look.