Alirio Torrealba Signature Joropo Professional Maracas - Chamber Series (Medium) / Black

The Alirio Torrealba Signature Joropo Professional Maracas are similar in nature to the traditional salsa maracas, but the playing style is vastly different. Joropo Maracas are made from the totumo gourd found on prairies in Columbia and Venezuela. Llanero maracas are filled with capacho seeds. Handles are made from Butternut Wood and are designed to provide strength in a light weight functional handle. The handles are 5.5 to 6 inches in length and the complete maracas will weigh in the range of 3-4 oz. depending on the size of the gourd. The seed, gourd combo is what gives the maracas their signature sound. Another defining quality of the Joropo Maracas is that the handle passes completely through the gourd with a bit exposed at the top of the maraca. This is essential to the balance and sound needed for the Joropo sound.

The techniques needed to play joropo music can be easily applied to any style of music. The main playing method used is the maracas are held vertically. The motion is an up and down motion similar to taking a drink of water. Accent twists and shakes allow the player to play clearly defined rhythmic patterns. Joropo music is mostly in 3/4 or 6/8 patterns. There are many set patterns such as repique, doble repique, escobilleo and the cascabel. These patterns can be embellished and revamped to be applicable to any music.