The pandeiro (pronounced: pan-DEH-ruh), similar to the Tambourine, is a small, hand-held Brazilian percussion instrument. It typically consists of a round wooden frame, with six pairs of metal discs fit along the sides, and an animal skin or nylon head.

There are two important distinctions between a pandeiro and the common tambourine. The tension of the head on the pandeiro can be tuned, allowing the player a choice of high and low notes. Also, the metal jingles (called pratinelas in Portuguese) are crisper, drier and less sustained on pandeiros than on the tambourine. This provides clarity when swift, complex rhythms are played.

It is held in one hand, and struck on the head by the other hand to produce the sound. Typical pandeiro patterns are played by alternating the thumb, fingertips, heel, and palm of the hand.

A pandeiro can also be shaken to make sound, or one can run a finger along the head to create a "rasp" noise. The pandeiro is used in a number of Brazilian music forms, such as Samba, Choro, and Capoeira music (see Capoeira songs).

Some of the best-known pandeiro players today are Airto Moreira, Marcos Suzano, and Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro.

Brazilian Pandeiros, Synthetic Heads (10 & 12" Pandeiros)

Brazilian Pandeiro, Natural Head

Stanton Moore Pandiero

Samba Drums

Brazilian Percussion

LP Drums & Percussion

Percussion

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