The guiro is played by dragging the pua (playing stick) along the fluted shell which creates the familiar ratchet-like sound. The grooves create a sensory feeling on the hands. This guiro also cleverly doubles up as a shaker, providing additional auditory input.
The guiro is a Latin American percussion instrument consisting of a hollow gourd with parallel notches cut into the surface. Striking the tonal grooves of the guiro creates many different sounds. Guiro are played similar to maracas and are usually accompanied by a singer. The hollow shell is filled with tiny beads which produces an additional sandy sound.
