What starts with C in music?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

In music, there are several instruments and terms that begin with the letter C. Let’s explore some of them:

1. Caixa: The caixa is a type of snare drum that is commonly used in Brazilian samba music. It is played with sticks and produces a sharp, high-pitched sound.

2. Cajón: The cajón is a percussion instrument that originated in Peru. It is essentially a wooden box that is played by slapping the front surface with the hands or fingers. The cajón is widely used in flamenco and Afro-Peruvian music.

3. Calabash shaker: A calabash shaker is a percussion instrument made from a dried gourd. It is filled with seeds, beans, or other small objects and shaken to create rhythmic patterns. The calabash shaker is commonly found in African and Latin American music.

4. Castanets: Castanets are small hand-held percussion instruments that are played by clicking them together. They consist of two concave shells, usually made of wood or plastic, and are commonly used in Spanish flamenco music.

5. Castañuelas: Castañuelas is the Spanish term for castanets. They are an integral part of Spanish folk music and dance, adding a distinctive rhythmic element to the performance.

6. Cavaquinho: The cavaquinho is a small string instrument that is similar to a ukulele. It is commonly used in Portuguese and Brazilian music, particularly in genres like choro and samba. The cavaquinho has a bright, lively sound and is played with fingers or a pick.

7. Caxixi: The caxixi is a percussion instrument that is commonly used in Afro-Brazilian music, especially in the berimbau ensemble. It consists of a small basket made of wicker or straw, filled with seeds or beads. The caxixi is shaken or struck against the hand to produce a rattling sound.

8. Cello: The cello is a large string instrument that is played with a bow. It is a member of the violin family and has a deep, rich tone. The cello is commonly used in classical music but can also be found in various other genres.

These are just a few examples of musical instruments and terms that begin with the letter C. Each instrument has its own unique characteristics and adds a distinct flavor to the music it is played in. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of the caixa and cajón, the delicate clicks of castanets and castañuelas, or the melodic sounds of the cavaquinho and cello, these instruments contribute to the diverse and vibrant world of music.