An unmuted note on the berimbau is created by holding the cabaça (resonator gourd) away from the chest and striking the arame (wire/string). A closed (high) note is made with the dobrão pressed against the arame (wire/string) and striking the arame just above the dobrão. An open (low) note is created by holding the dobrão away from the arame and striking just above the bridge at the cabaça.