The Guiro or Huiro is a percussion instrument originally from Latin America, particularly Puerto Rico. Guiro is another name for Agbe or Shekere.  There are many different types and designs of Guiro but the principal of playing them remains the same for all. A stick, metal rod or scraper is often moved along the serrated edge of the Guiro to produce the sound.  The rasping sound produced adds another dimension to Samba, Rumba, Salsa and traditional Folk Music. The Guiro can be made of wood,glass, fibreglass, bone, bamboo, metal, fired clay or natural Gourds from diverse fruit trees that have been dried and hollowed out. The Guiro often reflects the country of origin in decoration and its carving. Many countries and areas apart from Latin America produce their own `version` of a Guiro and include Vietnam, Indonesia, Peru and Guatemala.

In the sleeve notes of REMs Album `New adventures in Hi-Fi`...the Guiro is praised as the " The Ultimate instrument in musical usefulness !"

Examples of Guiros from around the world