Cajon

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A cajon (pronounced "ka-HONE") is a box drum played by slapping the front face with the hands. The word cajón is Spanish for "crate", "drawer", or "box". Half to 3/4th's of an inch thick wood is generally used for five of the box's sides. A thin sheet of plywood is nailed on as the 6th side, acting as the striking surface or head. A sound hole is cut on the back side opposite the head.

The top edges are often left unattached and can be slapped against the box. A sound hole is cut in the side opposing the head or tapa. The player sits astride the box, tilting it at an angle while striking the head between his knees. The modern cajon has several screws at the top for adjusting percussive timbre. Some versions may also have several vertically stretched cords pressed against the tapa for a buzz like effect or tone. Guitar strings, rattles or drum snares may serve this purpose. The percussionist can play the sides with the top of his palms and fingers for additional sounds.