Washboard (musical instrument)

This article is about the use of a washboard as a musical percussion instrument. For its original use as a tool used to wash clothing, see Washboard (laundry). For other uses, see Washboard (disambiguation).

The washboard and frottoir (from Louisiana French "frotter", to rub) are used as a percussion instrument, employing the ribbed metal surface of the cleaning device as a rhythm instrument. As traditionally used in jazz, zydeco, skiffle, jug band, and old-time music, the washboard remains in its wooden frame and is played primarily by tapping, but also by scraping with thimbles. Often the washboard has additional traps, such as a wood block, a cowbell, and even small cymbals.

Conversely, the frottoir (zydeco rubboard) dispenses with the frame and consists simply of the metal ribbing hung around the neck. It is played primarily with spoon handles or bottle openers in a combination of strumming, scratching, tapping and rolling.

The frottoir or vest frottoir is played as a stroked percussion instrument, often in a band with a drummer, while the washboard generally is a replacement for drums.

There is a Polish traditional jazz festival and music award named "Złota Tarka" (Golden Washboard). In Ukrainian folk music, washboards, or "zatulas", are also occasionally used.

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