Before we dive into the specifics of Afro-Cuban Latin drumming, it's important to understand some of the history and cultural significance of the music.
Afro-Cuban rhythms can be traced back to the African slaves who were brought to Cuba starting in the 16th century. These rhythms and musical styles were eventually fused with Spanish and indigenous influences to create what we know today as Afro-Cuban music.
The drum set has become an important part of this musical tradition, with its own unique rhythms and techniques. In this guide, I'll break down the essential components of Afro-Cuban Latin drum set playing, from the percussion instruments themselves to some of the specific rhythms and techniques used to play them.
The Afro-Cuban Latin drum set combines rhythms from several different percussion instruments, each with its own distinct sound and role in the music. The main instruments are the congas, bongos, timbales, and cowbell.
Congas: The congas are tall, narrow drums that are played with the hands. They come in several different sizes, each with a different pitch. The player sits on a stool and plays the drums between their legs, using a combination of open and closed hand techniques to produce a wide range of sounds and rhythms.
Bongos: The bongos are a pair of small, open-bottomed drums that are played with the hands. They are typically held between the player's legs, with one drum slightly larger than the other. Bongos are used to play more intricate finger rhythms and patterns, often in combination with the congas.
Timbales: The timbales are a set of two drums, usually mounted on a stand, that are played with sticks. They have a bright, metallic sound that cuts through the mix and are used to play complex rhythms and fills.
Cowbell: The cowbell is a simple percussion instrument that is used to keep time and provide a steady beat. It is played with a stick and is often used to accent certain beats and rhythms.
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Top Left: Congas, Bottom Left: Bongos, Top Right: Timbales, Bottom Right: Mambo Cow Bell
Before we get into specific rhythms and patterns, it's important to understand some basic techniques that are used in Afro-Cuban Latin drumming.
Open and Closed Hand Technique: When playing the congas, the drummer uses a combination of open and closed hand techniques to produce different sounds. Open hand technique involves striking the drum with the palm of the hand, while closed hand technique involves using the fingertips to strike the drum.
The Slap: The slap is a percussive technique used on the congas to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound. To play a slap, the drummer strikes the drum with the fingertips of the non-dominant hand, while the dominant hand provides a muted support.
The Rim Shot: The rim shot is a technique used on the snare or timbale drum to produce a loud, sharp sound. To play a rim shot, the drummer strikes the drumhead and rim at the same time, using both the stick and the hand.
Learn how to use these hand techniques on the drum kit and drum with your hands in my
Afro-Cuban Latin Drumming Course.
A Conguero or conga player playing slap, open and closed tones on the drum.
Now that we've covered some of the playing basics, let's dive into some specific rhythms and patterns used in Afro-Cuban Latin drumming.
The Clave: The Clave is a fundamental rhythm in Afro-Cuban music. It consists of two distinct parts, the "3-2" and the "2-3," which alternate to create a syncopated groove. Clave can also be separated into Son Clave, Rumba Clave, Bembé and other important rhythmic patterns.
The Tumbao: The Tumbao is a bass line rhythm that is played on the congas. It consists of a repeated pattern of quarter and eighth notes that creates a driving, syncopated groove that is essential to Afro-Cuban music.
The Cascara: The Cascara is a rhythmic pattern that is played on the shell of the timbales. It consists of a series of alternating beats, played with both hands, that create a complex and intricate rhythm.
The Mambo: The Mambo is a fast-paced dance rhythm that is played on the congas and timbales. It consists of a combination of different rhythms, including the tumbao and the cascara, and is characterized by its high-energy and fast tempo.
The Cha-Cha-Cha: The Cha-Cha-Cha is a slower, more relaxed dance rhythm that is also played on the congas and timbales. It is characterized by its distinctive syncopated rhythm against quarter notes which creates a unique and infectious groove.
Listening to Afro-Cuban Latin music will really help understand how everything fits together. Here are three of my favorite albums:
- Ray Barretto and New World Spirit: Ancestral Messages
- Gloria Estefan: Mi Tierra
- Buena Vista Social Club
The Ray Barretto album is super because it uses traditional percussion with a drum set. You'll be able to hear how the drummer interacts with the percussion and the rest of the band.
To learn the most important Afro-Cuban Latin grooves we use in Jazz drumming, enroll in my
Afro-Cuban Latin Drumming Course.
Afro-Cuban Latin drumming is a rich and vibrant musical tradition that has had a huge impact on Jazz and other styles of music around the World.
Learn the important Afro-Cuban rhythmic patterns and the basic playing techniques of each percussion instrument. That'll make your drum kit playing so much more authentic.
Listen to tons of this music and take my course to learn how to play this super cool music across your drum set. Keep swinging and grooving my friend!
