Pagode (Portuguese pronunciation: [paˈɡɔdʒ(i)]) is a Brazilian style of music that began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a type of samba. Originally, the word "pagode" described a celebration with food, music, dancing, and partying. In 1978, singer Beth Carvalho discovered this music, enjoyed it, and recorded songs by Zeca Pagodinho and others. Over time, many commercial music groups adopted pagode, often using overused phrases and styles. This led some people to view the term as a negative label for "very commercial pop music" (see Pagode Romântico).

Original pagode developed in the early 1980s with the formation of the band Fundo de Quintal and the addition of new instruments to traditional samba music. The lyrics of pagode also evolved, becoming more similar to samba’s tradition of using clever, humorous, and slang-filled language.

The 4-string banjo, introduced mainly by Almir Guineto, produces a louder sound than the cavaco. This loudness helped the instrument stand out in acoustic settings, such as samba circles, where many percussion instruments and singers are present. The 4-string banjo is one of the most important instruments in pagode music.

The tan-tan, introduced by sereno, is a more energetic type of surdo. It is used to maintain the main rhythm of samba, often called the "heart of the samba," and is played using the hands.

The hand-repique, introduced by Ubirany, is a percussion instrument specifically used for creating rhythmic patterns and transitions in music.