{{unreferenced, date=February 2009 In the musical traditions of

Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (, ), officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is the southernmost island country in the Caribbean. Consisting of the main islands Trinidad and Tobago, and numerous much smaller islands, it is situated south of ...

, a twin island republic in the

Lesser Antilles The Lesser Antilles ( es, link=no, Antillas Menores; french: link=no, Petites Antilles; pap, Antias Menor; nl, Kleine Antillen) are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Most of them are part of a long, partially volcanic island arc betwe ...

, a scratcher is a percussion instrument. It is a descendant of the guiro, and is played in a similar fashion. It is most commonly found in the rhythm section of a

steelband The steelpan (also known as a pan, steel drum, and sometimes, collectively with other musicians, as a steelband or steel orchestra) is a musical instrument originating in Trinidad and Tobago. Steelpan musicians are called pannists. Descriptio ...

Construction

Scratchers are generally made by punching hundreds of nail holes in a sheet of aluminum, creating a texture. The sheet is then rolled into a cylinder shape with the textured side facing out. A handle is then added to the side. Scratchers vary in length in diameter but a common size consists of a length of 30 inches and a diameter of 4 inches. The pattern and density of nail holes can also vary, which can have an effect on the sound of the instrument.

Use

A comb with teeth (sometimes a fan-style

afro pick A comb is a tool consisting of a shaft that holds a row of teeth for pulling through the hair to clean, untangle, or style it. Combs have been used since prehistoric times, having been discovered in very refined forms from settlements dating ba ...

) is scraped along the texture in a set, syncopated rhythm. This pattern is meant to interlock with those of the other instruments of the rhythm section. it is also used in the engine room section in a steel band.in addition, it is used in Parang. Central American and Caribbean percussion instruments Trinidad and Tobago musical instruments