To play the surdo, the drummer holds the baqueta in one hand and strikes the head of the drum with the other hand. The surdo can be played in a variety of ways, including:
* Single strokes: The drummer strikes the head of the drum with the baqueta once.
* Double strokes: The drummer strikes the head of the drum with the baqueta twice in quick succession.
* Rolls: The drummer strikes the head of the drum with the baqueta in a continuous motion.
* Flams: The drummer strikes the head of the drum with the baqueta twice, with a slight delay between the two strokes.
* Ruffs: The drummer strikes the head of the drum with the baqueta in a rapid, continuous motion.
The surdo can be played in a variety of musical genres, including samba, reggae, and pagode.