How to Play Tamborim in Axé: Carreteiro Groove for Carnival Blocks
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The video above shows an axé groove for tamborim built specifically for carnival block settings. It is a great starting point for anyone beginning to play tamborim or getting into Brazilian rhythms, from beginner up to intermediate level.
The Axé Groove: Four Beats, Four Notes Each
The groove has four beats, and each beat is divided into four notes using 16th note subdivision. In the video, every note is placed precisely within that subdivision so you can see and hear exactly where each hit lands. This kind of clarity makes a huge difference when you are first learning the pattern.
Two Variations Using the Wrist Flip (Viradinha de Pulso)
From that base groove, two variations are introduced using the viradinha de pulso, a well-known wrist-flip technique on tamborim. The difference between them is simple but powerful: where the flip lands inside the groove.
In the first variation, the wrist flip falls on beat 1. In the second, it falls on beat 4. Moving the flip to a different beat completely changes the feel of the groove, even though the same technique is being used. That small displacement is what gives each variation its own character.
Want to Go Deeper? The Rhythmic Series
If you want to understand the theory behind these kinds of rhythmic possibilities, there is a dedicated post here on the blog that explores all 15 possibilities of the Rhythmic Series within a single beat using 16th note subdivision. It breaks down the system in detail and gives you a clear path to study each one. A great next step after this groove.
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