A cabasa is a percussion instrument that originated in Africa. It produces a metallic, rattling sound that's perfect for adding rhythmic effects to your music. There are various playing techniques, but the basic one involves holding the handle in one hand and the chained metal balls in the other. When the handle is turned, the balls rub over the surface of the cabasa and sound is produced. Different sound variations can be achieved by applying more or less hand pressure. The cabasa is sometimes confused with the more traditional shekeres (a gourd surrounded by a net with beads).
