the caixa de guerra is a simplified, military-style snare drum. save for modern manufacturing techniques, the caixa is nearly unchanged from the snare drums that beat out a rhythm to marching troops since time immemorial. its tenor plays a similar purpose in the bateria, making up the meat of the sound and providing the all-important swing to the piece being played.

the caixa is played in phrases, of which there are as many as there are caixa players, and can be played in the down position - slung about the waist from a neck strap - or in the up position, cradled in the crook of the elbow of the non-dominant arm.