I’ve gathered some cool shaker performances!

Many people might think of the shaker as a subtle percussion instrument. While it might not be flashy, I believe it’s a perfect tool for adding accents to a song. The shaker can create different sounds depending on how you shake it—slow movements produce ocean wave-like sounds, while sharp, fast shakes work well with rock music. Here are some videos featuring impressive shaker performances.

Two Hands / Big Thief

The shaker is used throughout the song. The clear sound makes it a great example of shaker playing. Big Thief is a folk rock band from Brooklyn, New York.

Their 3rd album “U.F.O.F.” was released in 2019 and nominated for a Grammy in the Alternative Music category. This song is from their 2019 album “Two Hands”.

Under the Concrete / Joshua Burnside

The shaker blends naturally into the song. The sharp shaker sound and handclap-like beats create a strong image for the track. The female vocalist, seemingly uninterested at first, suddenly plays the trumpet, adding a fun surprise. The video also includes scenes like children appearing from a window and the performers playing upside down.

Joshua Burnside is a folk singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland, known for his original compositions. Ireland’s music, steeped in Celtic culture, often carries a sense of deep religious and cultural resonance. Similar to Mary Black, his work taps into these themes, enriching the musical tradition of the region.

Country Girl / Primal Scream

Shakers are often associated with Latin percussion, but they are used in rock as well. The shaker in this song plays a fine 16-beat rhythm. The music video for "Country Girl" is wild and energetic.

Primal Scream is an alternative rock band formed in Scotland, and their 3rd album “Screamadelica” was a big hit, reaching #8 on the UK charts.

Bull In The Heather / Sonic Youth

This video features maracas, a type of shaker, played while also drumming. Although maracas are easier to hold than regular shakers, this still requires impressive technique.

Sonic Youth is a band formed in New York in 1981. They are pioneers of noise rock, grunge, and alternative rock, influencing many bands, including Nirvana.

Meinl Percussion – Taku Hirano – “Fusion”

This is a video showcasing Meinl Percussion instruments, featuring Taku Hirano’s impressive technique. His focused performance with the black dual-shaker (Meinl SH4BK) stands out. The shaker is made of plastic, producing a soft tone, but its dual construction ensures it produces a strong sound.

Meinl / SH4BK Shaker

Super Beaver / Tokyo – A Parent-Child Harmony Cover feat. Haruko Nagaya (The First Take Version)

I’ve also used a shaker on my own channel. My child arranged Super Beaver’s “Tokyo” in a somewhat jazzy style. I felt that adding the shaker brought a nice accent to the song, making even the slower sections feel tighter. The shaker is the Meinl SH4BK.

Shakers come in various materials, so choose one that suits the style of the song.

The shaker performance videos I’ve shared—how did you find them? Shakers come in materials like aluminum, wood, and plastic, with various sizes and shapes. Aluminum produces a sharp sound, while wood offers a deeper tone. I recommend selecting a shaker that complements the mood of the song.

LP (Latin Percussion) / LP440 Shake-It

Schlagwerk Percussion / SK-35 Mezzo Shaker

Pearl / PEC-1

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