A tamborim (pronounced in Portuguese as [tɐ̃boˈɾĩ] or [tɐ̃buˈɾĩ]) is a small, round Brazilian frame drum. It was created from similar drums brought to Brazil by the Portuguese.

The frame of the tamborim is 6 inches wide and can be made of metal, plastic, or wood. The drumhead is usually made of nylon and is tightly stretched to produce a high, sharp sound with little lasting tone. The tamborim has no snares or jingles. It is often mistaken for a tambourine. Its size and weight are similar to small frame drums used in the Orff Schulwerk music teaching method.

The tamborim is used in many types of Brazilian music. It is most closely linked to samba, nose flute, and pagode music. It is also played in chorinho, bossa nova, and some traditional rhythms from the northeast of Brazil, such as cucumbi. The tamborim is commonly used during samba performances, as well as in carnivals and festivals.

Technique

The tamborim is usually played with a small wooden drumstick in most musical styles. In samba-batucada, it is played with a beater made from multiple nylon or plastic threads tied together. On rare occasions, it may be played with the fingers.

The tamborim is held in the weaker hand. The thumb either crosses the rim and rests on the drumhead or grips the frame. The other fingers curl under the rim, with the index finger applying and releasing pressure on the underside of the head to create higher or lower notes. The beater is held in the stronger hand, and the drumhead is struck slightly off-center.

A technique called virado is often used. During this technique, the drum is flipped upside down in the middle of the rhythm, creating a note that happens a little later. This gives samba its unique sound. The instrument may also be struck on the rim occasionally.

Tamborim players switch between the carreteiro, the main rhythm pattern, and other special phrases that stand out above the other percussion instruments.