 The atabaque maintains the rhythm of the jogo (capoeira game). The gunga dictates how fast and what type of game to play, but the atabaque holds that rhythm even while the gunga does an occasional variation. There is only one atabaque in a capoeira roda, and it usually stands directly to the left of the gunga. The person who plays the atabaque must not only know how to play the basic capoeira rhythm, but know how to follow the different rhythms played by the berimbaus, how to hold that rhythm while the berimbau's add variations, and sing while doing all of this. Although the atabaque can be a loud instrument, it should not be played louder than the berimbaus. It must accompany the berimbau, not overpower them. | 