Malhão — Cavaquinho

On the cavaquinho a chord progression comes out bright and rhythmic; the four high strings pack the notes close together, so each shape sounds compact and lively. Born in Portugal's popular village dances, the malhão is a joyful communal circle dance, with a marked pulse that invites clapping hands and stomping feet. On this page you'll find the style's strumming patterns — which simply means the rhythmic figures that recreate that village-fair feel.

Grooves

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Updated July 9, 2026