castanet

Castanet is a percussion instrument consisting of two small, hollow shells joined by a cord or hinge. In its most common form, a pair of castanets is worn in each hand, and the user clicks the two shells together to produce a bright, staccato sound. The shells are usually made of wood, but modern versions can be plastic, resin, or other materials. Castanets can be tuned by shaping the shells and by the force used to strike them.

Castanets have a long association with Iberian music, particularly Spain, and are strongly linked to flamenco dance and accompaniment. They are also found in various Mediterranean, North African, and Latin American musical traditions, where they serve as rhythmic punctuation and ornamentation. In performance, dancers often time their movements with the clicks to enhance the cadence of the music.

Construction and varieties: Traditional castanets consist of two matching wooden shells joined by a thong or string that goes around the fingers. Variants include larger “concert” castanets used by percussionists in orchestral or ensemble settings, as well as smaller, lighter models intended for dance. Some modern designs use synthetic materials or incorporate adjustable tension for different sounds.

Playing technique: Players hold one pair of castanets in each hand and use wrist and finger movements to separate and strike the shells together rapidly. The sound is controlled by the speed of opening and closing, finger placement, and the tension of the cord or strap. Mastery involves precise timing, wrist flexibility, and rhythmic accuracy to align with musical phrases.