- Surdo: A large, low-pitched drum that is played with a mallet. It provides the foundation of the samba rhythm.
- Tamborim: A small, high-pitched drum that is played with a stick. It adds a sharp, cutting sound to the samba rhythm.
- Pandeiro: A large tambourine that is played with the hands. It adds a bright, jingling sound to the samba rhythm.
- Repinique: A medium-sized drum that is played with a stick. It adds a syncopated rhythm to the samba.
- Agogo: A pair of small metal bells that are played by striking them together. They add a high-pitched, metallic sound to the samba rhythm.
- Cuíca: A friction drum that is played by rubbing a stick along a piece of stretched leather. It produces a distinctive, wailing sound.
- Chocalho: A shaker that is made from a hollow tube filled with beads or seeds. It adds a rustling, shaking sound to the samba rhythm.
In addition to these instruments, samba bands may also include other instruments such as flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and guitars.