How the cuíca makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the cuíca belongs to the friction drums: a membrane is made to vibrate by rubbing a stick, cord or the hand – like the Brazilian cuíca.
More broadly it is one of the membranophones (drums), where sound comes from a vibrating stretched membrane.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The cuíca is a Brazilian friction drum with a large pitch range, produced by changing tension on the head of the drum. Cuíca is Portuguese for the gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) which is known for its high-pitched cry. The cuíca is frequently used in carnivals, as well as often in samba music. The tone it produces has a high-pitched squeaky timbre. It has been called a 'laughing gourd' due to this sound. The General MIDI drum kit provides cuíca sounds at the notes F♯5 and G5.
Other friction drums
More instruments from Brazil
Frequently asked questions
What does a cuíca sound like?
As one of the friction drums, its sound comes from the way a membrane is made to vibrate by rubbing a stick, cord or the hand.
What type of instrument is the cuíca?
It is classified as friction drums (Hornbostel–Sachs 231.11).
Where does the cuíca come from?
The cuíca originates from Brazil.