Squeeze Your Agogo

By Glen Caruba Originally Published in DRUM! Magazine's May 2007 Issue

Although native to Brazilian and samba rhythms, agogo bells can be adapted to virtually all styles of contemporary music. If you come across a set that does not have a wing nut for mounting, chances are it is a hand held design in which the handle can be squeezed so that both bells hit together.

Start with the bells in one hand and a stick in another. On the first of four beats, hit the high-pitched bell with the stick (A). On beat 2, squeeze the bells together (B). On beat 3 and 4 hit the low bell then repeat (C). Try different combos of grooves utilizing this infectious squeeze technique, and nothing will stop your “go-go” anytime soon.

A