Brazilian Drum Kit Rhythms: The Beats That Define a Nation

Brazilian drumming is more than just rhythm—it’s the heartbeat of a culture. From the swing of samba jazz to the driving pulse of maracatu, Brazil’s percussion traditions have shaped some of the most influential grooves in modern music. Whether on the streets of Rio de Janeiro or in legendary recording studios, drummers like Milton Banana, Dom Um Romão, and Wilson das Neves have pioneered rhythmic styles that continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

In Brazilian Drum Kit Rhythms with Cyro Zuzi, we break down these grooves and show how to translate traditional Brazilian percussion onto the drum kit. This playlist serves as a listening guide to the styles covered in the course, helping you internalize the feel and phrasing of each rhythm.

While the written list below features the recommended versions, some tracks on our Spotify playlist may be alternate versions due to availability.

Click here to explore the full course.

Samba Jazz: Where Swing Meets Tradition

Samba jazz emerged in the 1960s, blending the improvisational freedom of jazz with the syncopated pulse of samba. Drummers like Airto Moreira, Dom Um Romão, and Milton Banana revolutionized the drum kit’s role in Brazilian music, creating complex yet danceable grooves.

• “Nanã” – Moacir Santos (Drummer: Airto Moreira)
• “Tristeza” – Edison Machado (from Edison Machado é Samba Novo)
• “Samba de Uma Nota Só” – João Gilberto (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “Canto de Ossanha” – Baden Powell & Vinicius de Moraes (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “Berimbau” – Tamba Trio (Drummer: Hélcio Milito)
• “Linha de Passe” – João Bosco (Drummer: Kiko Freitas)
• “Flor de Lis” – Djavan (Drummer: Téo Lima)
• “Água de Beber” – Antonio Carlos Jobim (Drummer: Dom Um Romão)
• “Tô Voltando” – Simone (Drummer: Wilson das Neves)
• “Tim Dom Dom” – João Donato (Drummer: Dom Um Romão)

Bossa Nova: The Groove That Changed the World

Bossa nova’s signature rhythm—a soft, swinging beat with deep syncopation—was pioneered by drummers like Milton Banana and Dom Um Romão. The style’s light yet intricate feel makes it one of the most influential rhythms in modern music.

• “Garota de Ipanema” – Antônio Carlos Jobim (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “Águas de Março” – Tom Jobim & Elis Regina (Drummer: Dom Um Romão)
• “Chega de Saudade” – João Gilberto (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “Desafinado” – João Gilberto (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “Corcovado” – Antônio Carlos Jobim (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “O Grande Amor” – João Gilberto (Drummer: Milton Banana)
• “Wave” – Antônio Carlos Jobim (Drummer: Dom Um Romão)
• “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar” – Tom Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes
• “Vivo Sonhando” – João Gilberto

Partido Alto: The Groove of the Samba Schools

A cousin of samba, partido alto is a groove-heavy rhythm known for its call-and-response phrasing and percussive syncopation. It’s a staple in Rio’s samba scene, influencing everything from pagode to funk.

• “Juízo Final” – Clara Nunes
• “Doce de Côco” – Jacob do Bandolim
• “Sorriso Aberto” – Jovelina Pérola Negra

Forró & Baião: The Driving Rhythms of Brazil’s Northeast

Forró and baião are the heartbeat of Brazil’s northeastern music scene, featuring syncopated bass drum patterns and swinging snare accents. Pioneers like Luiz Gonzaga and Dominguinhos defined this groove, which continues to thrive in modern Brazilian music.

• “Asa Branca” – Luiz Gonzaga
• “Eu Só Quero um Xodó” – Dominguinhos
• “Isso Aqui Tá Bom Demais” – Dominguinhos & Chico Buarque
• “Feira de Mangaio” – Clara Nunes
• “Xote das Meninas” – Luiz Gonzaga
• “O Xote das Meninas” – Gilberto Gil

Maracatu: The Thunder of the Drums

Maracatu is one of Brazil’s most powerful and ceremonial rhythms, played with heavy alfaias (bass drums), caixas (snare drums), and gonguê bells. It originates from Afro-Brazilian traditions in Pernambuco, carrying deep historical and cultural meaning.

• “Maracatu Atômico” – Chico Science & Nação Zumbi
• “Cavalo-Marinho” – Mestre Salustiano

Coco: The Call-and-Response Dance Groove

Coco is a rhythm-driven folk style with chant-like vocals, clapping, and repetitive drum patterns. It has strong ties to Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous musical traditions, with a call-and-response structure similar to blues and work songs.

• “Tambor de Crioula” – Papete
• “Coco de Improviso” – Jackson do Pandeiro

Candomblé & Afro-Brazilian Spiritual Rhythms

Many of Brazil’s most influential rhythms trace their roots back to Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition where drumming is central to worship. These rhythms, often played on atabaques (hand drums), agogô bells, and shakers, have profoundly influenced samba, maracatu, and more.

• “Canto Para Exu” – Baden Powell & Vinicius de Moraes
• “Cordeiro De Nana” – Mateus Aleluia
• “Festa do Círio de Nazaré” – Alcione

Learn the Beats That Define Brazilian Music

This playlist is a gateway into the deep, complex rhythms that make Brazilian drumming some of the most dynamic in the world. Whether it’s the light swing of bossa nova, the high-energy drive of forró, or the booming pulse of maracatu, each style offers a unique approach to rhythm and groove.

If you’re ready to take your drumming to the next level, click here to start your journey with the Brazilian Drum Kit Rhythms course, where Cyro Zuzi breaks down these legendary grooves and how to apply them on the drum kit.