although best known for samba and bossa nova, the musical tradition of rio de janeiro is incredibly diverse. an entire universe of musical genres thrive in the shadow of sugar loaf mountain, and within it, myriad species of musical instruments and applications therefor flurish.

the diversity of music and musical instruments in rio de janeiro is partly due to the handmade, artisanal and folkloric nature of much of brazilian musical culture. the iconic folkloric and traditional instruments in rio fall into one of two categories - strings, or percussion and rhythm instruments.