What is guayo?

Guayo is a type of percussion instrument that originated in the Caribbean, primarily in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It is a metal scraper with small ridges that is rubbed against a notched surface to produce a shuffling sound.

The guayo is typically used in traditional Latin American music, particularly in genres such as salsa, merengue, and bachata. It can also be found in modern music compositions, including hip-hop and electronic music.

There are different sizes and shapes of guayos depending on the region and the intended use. For example, the Dominican guayo is typically smaller and played with one hand, while the Cuban guayo is larger and requires both hands to play.

Overall, the guayo is an important part of Latin American music and has been widely used in many different contexts for several decades.