How to Play Combos on Castanets

Although typically associated with Spanish folk art, castanets actually date back to ancient Phoenicia. In the modern tradition, flamenco dancers and singers most commonly use the percussion instrument for accompaniment. Mastering the castanets requires manual dexterity and patience, but the hard work pays off when you hear your beautiful rhythmic combos come to life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify which castanet is male, or "macho," and which is female, or "hembra." The male castanet, which usually has no marks near the chord, has a characteristically low sound. The female castanet, marked one or more times, has a comparatively high sound.

2. Hold the female castanet in your right hand and the male castanet in your left hand, looping the chords around your thumbs. If you are left-handed, reverse these positions.

3. Practice playing basic castanet sounds before creating combos. First, try the RRI, rapidly tapping the castanet with your fingers in succession, starting with your pinkie finger and moving toward the index finger.

4. Make the TA sound on the male castanet, quickly tapping your ring finger and your middle finger, alternately. To make the PI sound, mimic the TA on the hembra castanet.

5. Clap the two castanets together to make the PAM or CHIN sound. Then, practice the PAN, simultaneously striking the macho and hembra castanets with your middle and ring fingers. The PAM and PAN are quite forceful sounds you can use to end a sequence.

6. Make rapid, alternate clicking sounds with the castanets, always ending with the left hand. Played effectively, this sequence resembles a drum roll.

7. Combine these basic sounds to create your own castanet combos. If you want accompaniment, pop in a CD of your favorite flamenco music.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your castanets fit properly. Women typically play size 6 castanets, and men usually use size 8.
• Castanet material is primarily a matter of personal preference. Hardwood is the traditional castanet material, and some prefer it for the quality and tone of sound it produces. Other materials like fiberglass, however, tend to wear better and last longer.