washboard in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Washboard in Music

In the context of music, a washboard refers to a musical instrument that is played by rubbing or striking the surface of a washboard with various objects, such as spoons or thimbles, to create rhythmic patterns and percussive sounds. The washboard is typically made of metal or wood and features a series of ridges or corrugations that produce distinct sounds when played. It is often used in genres such as skiffle, zydeco, and country and western music .

Use in Different Music Genres

The washboard has been used in various music genres throughout history. Here are a few examples:

1. **Skiffle**: Skiffle is a genre that emerged in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. It is characterized by its use of simple acoustic instruments, including the washboard, acoustic guitar, and washtub bass. Skiffle gained popularity among post-war youth in England and played a significant role in the development of British rock and roll.

2. **Zydeco**: Zydeco is a genre of music that originated in southern Louisiana. It combines French tunes with elements of Caribbean music, the blues, and guitar, accordion, and washboard instrumentation. The washboard is an essential instrument in zydeco music, contributing to its distinctive sound .

3. **Dixieland Jazz**: Dixieland jazz, also known as traditional jazz, is a genre that originated in New Orleans. Dutch jazz bands, influenced by the New Orleans style, often include a washboard in their instrumentation. These bands typically feature multiple trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, accompanied by a single clarinet, sousaphone, and a section of marching percussion that includes the washboard.

Historical Significance

The washboard has historical significance, particularly in the context of African American music and the Underground Railroad. During the time of slavery, many enslaved individuals used music as a means of communication and resistance. The washboard, along with other instruments like the harmonica and tambourine, played a role in this musical expression. Enslaved and free Black Americans in Louisiana would gather weekly, and the washboard was often used as a rhythm instrument in these gatherings.

Conclusion

In summary, the washboard is a musical instrument used in various genres such as skiffle, zydeco, and Dixieland jazz. It is played by rubbing or striking the surface of the washboard to create rhythmic patterns and percussive sounds. The washboard has historical significance in African American music and the Underground Railroad.

A device used to scrub laundry by hand consisting of a wooden board or frame that holds a metal plate with a corrugated surface.

Classified as a scraped idiophone, a musician uses the washboard as a percussion instrument to add a "raspy" or scraping sound to the rhythm of a composition. The performer scrapes the corrugated surface with common finger thimbles (used in sewing). The washboard can provide the normal drum rhythms or can add another layer of rhythmic interest to the composition. The sound is similar to that produced by a güiro. The washboard was originally used when real percussion instruments were not available to amateur performers in poor neighborhoods and rural areas in the United States in the mid to late 19th century. The washboard is still used as a novelty instrument in bluegrass, dixieland, and other folk music traditions. A version the washboard is currently being used in the Zydeco style known as a rub board.