What is a guiro?
The güiro is one of the most unique percussion instruments, adding texture and rhythm to any musical style. But what exactly is it, and how can you play one? The güiro is a wooden instrument with a serrated surface that produces a rasping sound when scraped with a stick.
Originating from Latin America, it is traditionally made from a hollow gourd and is widely used to enhance rhythm in music. Though its exact history is unclear, similar instruments, such as the Aztec omitzicahuastli, reveal its ancient roots. Simple to play yet versatile, the güiro vibrates to create sound, making it an essential element in Latin American music.
Other names for the Guiro
The percussive instrument goes by many other names such as Güira (the metal version of a Guiro), rascador, güícharo, candungo, carracho, rayo
How is it pronounced?
Wee-row or Gwee-roh
What are they usually made from?
Whilst the body of the guiros are traditionally made from a dried gourd, more modern ones can be made from any material such as wood, metal, plastic, bamboo and even fibreglass. They also come in many shapes and sizes such as a standard block, frog guiros are common, and we have crocodile ones.
Construction
Guiros come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they are made from natural materials. Hand-carved wooden cricket guiros are popular in Latin American music, while natural bamboo guiro rasps are preferred in Asian music. Gourd guiros, on the other hand, are popular in Africa and the Caribbean. The shape of the Guiro can affect the sound it produces, with longer Guiros producing lower-pitched sounds.
The shape of the Guiro can affect the sound it produces, with longer Guiros producing lower-pitched sounds. Guiros add a distinctive sound to any music genre, from Latin to pop, and are preferred in different regions of the world.
History of the Güiro Instrument
The güiro is a staple in Latin music and has deep cultural roots dating back to ancient times. Traditionally crafted from natural gourds, it is now often made from eco-friendly materials like wood. Believed to have originated in Africa or South America, similar instruments, such as the Aztec omitzicahuastli and the Taíno güajey, highlight its evolution. Introduced to the Caribbean by African slaves, the güiro became integral to Cuban, Puerto Rican, and other Latin American music styles, celebrated for its rhythmic scraping sound that enriches both folk and contemporary compositions.
How to Play A Güiro
Learning to play a güiro is easy, making it perfect for beginners. Simply hold the instrument in one hand and scrape the stick across the ridges, adjusting your pressure and speed to vary the sound. The güiro’s tone depends on the material, depth, and spacing of its notches. While scraping is the most common technique, shaking the güiro can create a rattle effect. Check out our güiro sound demonstration to hear the unique rhythm it brings to your music.
Top 10 Most Popular Guiros
With so many different types of güiros available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To help you find the perfect fit, we've curated a list of the best güiros to buy, based on quality, performance, and popularity. Here's a quick overview of the top options.
1. Crocodile Guiro
The Crocodile Güiro is a compact percussion instrument that will spark creativity and enhance your rhythm. Symbolising strength and resilience, it will help you express yourself, improve coordination, and boost focus. Whether for practice, performance, or sound therapy, this easy-to-play güiro is a fun unique addition to any percussion collection.
Order your Crocodile Guiro today.
2. Croaking Frog Guiro
★★★★★ - "Arrived on time. As described. Fast delivery." - Verified Buyer
The Croaking Frog Güiro will boost your rhythm and creativity. Made from high-quality acacia wood and hand-carved in northern Thailand, it provides a loud pock sound when struck. Its playful design encourages a relaxed, focused mindset, ideal for improving coordination and focus during practice. Whether you're a musician or sound therapist, this güiro supports your creative journey, helping you connect with your music on a deeper level while adding a unique touch to your collection.
Purchase a croaking frog guiro here.
3. Cricket Guiro
★★★★★ - "Smaller than expected but sounds and looks great." - Verified Buyer
The Cricket Güiro is a compact percussion instrument that symbolises a connection to nature. Its small, cricket design produces a soothing high-pitched sound when scraped along the ridges, making it perfect for beginners or as a decorative piece. Lightweight and portable, it's ideal for musicians on the go, enhancing creativity and focus.
Buy the compact Cricket Guiro here.
4. Rumbai Guiro
★★★★★ - would definitely recommend, quirky gift for my Daughter. Think she will love it. Beautifully decorated. - Verified Buyer
The Rumbai Guiro is a beautifully handcrafted percussion instrument made from sustainable bamboo, offering a rich earthy sound with high pitch and a medium dynamic range. Its vibrant floral dot design with burnt etching adds a unique touch, while the long bamboo surface allows for extended strokes, producing deeper momentum in sound. The attached bamboo stick ensures easy storage and use, and the guiro can be conveniently hung up to save space. Eco-friendly, fair trade, and easy to play, it’s perfect for musicians of all levels.
Order your Rumbai Guiro today.
5. Gourd Guiro Shaker
★★★★★ - "Really unusual item with a meditative sound. Bought as a Christmas present, and I'm sure the recipient will love it." - Verified Buyer
This versatile gourd guiro shaker from Peru combines two instruments in one, offering both a shaker and guiro in a single piece. Handmade from sustainable natural gourd, it features a slightly serrated edge for guiro playing and produces rainstick-like sounds when shaken. The instrument has a handwoven strap for easy handling and storage. Eco-friendly and fair trade, it’s perfect for musicians or music producers seeking a multifunctional percussion tool.
Purchase the gourd guiro shaker here.
6. Double Agogo Tone Block Guiro
The Double Agogo Tone Block is a versatile percussion instrument made from solid wood, perfect for school KS3 music classes and beginners. With its ridged surface and hollow wooden tubes, it functions as both a tone block and guiro, offering a unique blend of sounds. The two blocks produce different pitches, with one offering a louder tone and the other a softer one. This instrument comes complete with a beater and is available in multiple variants.
Buy the double agogo tone block here.
7. Purring Cat Guiro
This handmade cat guiro is made from eco-friendly and sustainable acacia wood. Stroke its back with the stick provided to hear a guiro sound or blow into its backside to create a whistle sound. This two-in-one instrument is perfect for musicians and also serves as a stunning decorative item. The guiro measures 14cm high and weighs 200g, and is made in Thailand.
Shop for the Purring Cat Guiro now.
8. Ball Twist Guiro Shaker
The Ball Twist Shaker offers three instruments in one: a shaker, tone block, and guiro. Made from sustainable solid wood, it provides beginner musicians with a fun and easy-to-use percussion option. Its compact size and smooth handle make it comfortable to play, while the ridges on the end allow for a unique rasping sound. Whether you're shaking it to create a "clipity clopity" sound or twisting it like a monkey drum, this versatile instrument encourages experimentation, making it perfect for musicians looking to explore new rhythms and textures.
Order the ball twist guiro shaker today.
9. Morus Guiro Shaker
The Morus Guiro Shaker is a versatile, eco-friendly percussion instrument perfect for beginners and music classes. Made from durable wood, it combines the functions of a shaker and guiro, offering various sounds through shaking, hitting, or scraping. Lightweight and easy to play, it encourages rhythm exploration and creativity. While suitable for children over the age of 5 years old, it is not a toy and should be used under adult supervision. Its compact size makes it portable and easy to store, making it a great tool for young musicians.
Purchase the Morus Guiro here.
10. Atlas Metal Guiro
★★★★★ - "I'm happy playing it. The Guallo or metal guiro shaker arrived on time and is great quality so far." - Verified Buyer
The Atlas Metal Guiro solves the problem of needing a versatile, high-quality percussion instrument that cuts through mixes with its sharp, metallic sound. Its dual function as both a guiro and shaker allows for a wide range of textures and tones, eliminating the need for multiple instruments. The durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance, while the 8-prong scraper provides precise control over sound intensity. Perfect for professional musicians, this large, reliable instrument delivers superior sound.
Get the Atlas Metal Guiro here and transform your sound quality.
Why Choose Us?
When you buy a güiro from us, you're choosing quality, sustainability, and creativity. Our instruments are crafted from eco-friendly materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact without compromising on performance. With a variety of designs, from traditional wooden güiros to fun options like the crocodile güiro, we cater to all skill levels and needs—whether you're a beginner or a professional.
Shop Güiros Today
Ready to add rhythm to your music? Explore our collection of handmade güiros, designed for durability and exceptional sound. Whether you're looking for an affordable beginner's instrument or a professional-grade güiro, we have the perfect match for you. Shop for güiros online now and find the ideal percussion instrument to enhance your musical journey.
