.

'

",.

ISABELO ERNESTO

r'

'

)esi Arnaz (right) and Isabelo Ernesto Marrero

During the many yea1s in which Isabelo Ernesto Manero

performed so brilliantly with my orchestra, I suggested that he
work out a Drum Method that would help the student drummer
develop a thorough knowledge of Latn-American rhythms. I am
happy to see that this method has now been completed. It is my
conviction that this publication will convey Marrero's art and
unique ability to all those who are interested in learning or improving the drum technique, particularly in the Latn-American
field in which Manero is an unsurpassed master.
This publication fills a long existing need. My best wishes
accompany it on its way to the public.

1
Desi Arnaz

CONTENTS
Page
VAQUETEO

V(llueteo mul Bass Drum

10

PAILA

14

COWBELL

16

TU M BAO

18

Paila, Tumbrw and Bass Dnun

19

Cowbell, Tumba,o and Bass Dnnn

20

Guaracha

24
24

Son-Montuno

27

Rumba

Afro

28
31

Conga

32

atigo

35

Samba

37

Tango

38

Calyp:;o

41

Jf ambo

42

Brea/es

43

DANCES AN D BREAKS

Claves

45
45
45

1\-f a rucas

46

Conga Drwn

46
46

gfiYTHM INSTRUMENTS

Bongoes

Cabaza

Chocallo
Guiro
Quija

47
47
47

APPENDIX
Cowbell Hlzythms for Cha-C/w-Ciw

48

iltercngue Rlzythms

48
48

Plena Rhythms

PREFACE
lt seems almost inevitable that the life of a musician should
be a rich and colorful affair. The career of 1sabela Ernesto M arrero
more than substantiates th1~s theory. An outstanding drummer in
the field of Latn-American and Ou,ban music, he looks back on a
wealth of experiences that range from Puerto Rican music school
to the prize rings of Chicago and N ew Orleans; from the U. S.
merchant marine to the recording stud1'os oj Hollywood and New
York. A t 20 he turned to serious drumming under the outstanding
tutelage oj the best-knowndrum teacher in the country, Edward
B. Straight of Chicago. There, ajter three years of soUd preparation, he jo1~ned with Eddy South, Jirnmy Noon the clarinetist and
the trumpeter Freddy Kepple of Dixieland fame.
In the early Thirties when Lat1:n- American music .tirst
slipped across the bo'tder to start its clhnb to world- wide popularity, Marrero switched to th1's "new" and exciting mus1'c, work1:ng with such name bands as those of Noro Morales, Machito and
his Afro-Cu.bans, Jose Owrbelo, Carlos Malina and, jm the last
three years, Desi Arnaz. With Arnaz he appeared on Bob Hope's
radio programs for a full season and woTked in six movies, and in
his spaTe time he made record1'ngs with Emil Coleman and the
great trumpete1 Ralph M endez.
Looked upon as an authon'ty on Latn-American and particularly Cuban drumming, Manero has frequently been waylaid
by young drumme1s who want to be taught a few "licks" or learn
the fine points of the intricate Lat?'n-A merican rhythms. Finally,
urged by A rnaz and others who saw the need for an a.u thoritative
book of instruch:on, he took up the pen and after six months presented his publishers with this carefully worked-out drum method.
"Drumming the Lat?'n-American Way" isn't only a drum
method. It is an illustrated dictionary of Latin-A merican musical
terms, instr uments, rhythms, dances and breaks, of Luhich enthe
pages can be played as they are with any standard Latn-American
dance numbers. For the exper1'enced drummer there are 1'mpoTtant
hi nts on coord1'nation, coloTing and "lead-ts", but even the newcomer can easy follow the clea-r, .'n'mple and precise explanations
that make "Drumming the Latin-Amer:an Way" a clas~ic among
drum textbooks.

The Publishen;

ABBREVIATIONS

,.

PAILA

BASS DRUM

'{~~:o; timbal es = P. ~

bass drum

TIMBALES
"

small timbal := S. T
lar.:e timbal= L.T.

9~

J ~-, .-,. COWBELL.

e

~.: hok e

or mutfle

SNARE DRUM

cowbell = C.B.

= B.D.

snare drum

= S.D.

low tone
wire brush
. ,.-_.>.\.~-' ~\ v...

strike head open

hi-gh tone

CYMBAL
cymbal = CYM.

;; lrike rim of drum = rs

(rim shol)

left hand
\'1 _1.1

L.H .

=.:

right hand - R.H.

.
!

. ...

'

'

' .,_,.

INTRODUCTION

Rhythm is the basic element of all Latn-American music. It is this rhythm which
gives the music its special character, and it is the timbalero, (the drummer of the LatnAmerican band) who, as the backbone of the rhythm section, must establish the rhythmical
fundament which sustains the rest of the orchestra.

,-

Having once established the beat, the timbalero is free to improvise intricate patterns of rhythm and sound that weave in and out of the rhythmic fabric of the orchestra.
He has four instrumental components at his disposal: the timbales ( pitched high and low),
the paila (metal si des of the timbales), the cowbell and the bass drum. These he m ay use
singly and in combination to produce a variety of sounds which blend and contrast with
the other musical instruments. Usually at least two of these components are in use; frequently a third is added.
The bass drum mainly provides the down-beat as in North American music. Over
this the t?:mbalero may play vaqueteo ( any rhythm played with both sticks on the heads ,_
of the timbales) or rhythms on the paila or cowbell. With the latter two instruments a
bass beat, tumbao (played on the timbales with the left hand), is usually added to enhance the sound pattern and strengthen the ever-important off-beat. How these various
components are used in the many different Latn-American dances is demonstrated in
this book.
The examples gradually progress from the simplest vaqueteo exercises to complex
combinations of bass drum, tumbao and paila ( or cowbell). Finally, the last section gives
scores for en tire dances (rumbas, guarachas, sambas, etc.) as they are played in the orchestra. By carefully following the exercises in the order in which they appear, the student
rapidly developes coordination, timing and a feeling for the Latn-American style, which
will allow him to improvise freely without losing the beat or changing the character of the
music. It is important always to remember that the drummer must hold the orchestra together with a strong but unobtrusive beat that blends, but never overrides the music itself.

VAQUETEO
The word vaqueteo denotes any Latn-American rhythm produced by striking the
heads of the timbales with the drum sticks. The timbales are tuned a fourth apart, the
lower one approximately to C, the higher one approximately to F, to blend with the
keys in which most of the dances are ordinarily played. Slight alterations of pitch can be
produced by muffing the timbal head with the hand. In order to obtain a good high tone,
the sticks should be light: about thirteen inches long and five sixteenths of an inch in
diameter. The position of hands and sticks is as follows:
The right hand goes over the stick holding it with the thumb, index and middle
fingers in a position similar to that used in playing the snare or field drum. See illustration No. 1 below.

,.

lll . 1

The left hand goes over the other stick, which is held by the thumb and index finger and laid against the timbal head with the tip protruding beyond the rim, while the
middle, ring and little fingers rest on the head to produce a muffied sound. These three
fingers normally remain in the described position except when an open note is desired. In
this case the whole hand is lifted and then immediately placed on the head again. See
illustrations Nos. 2 and 3. Examples 1, 2 and 3 on the opposite page demonstrate the basic
vaqueteos as they are played in rumbas, boleros, guar,achas and son-montunos.

111. 2

lll ..1

Vaqueteo is also played in the beguine, which has gained great popularity here in
recent years, in afro music, which occupies a position in Latn-American music comparable to that of the blues in North American music, and in such dances as the conga and
a1'go, .whose more complex rhythms are set down in a later section of this book. Exam
pies 4 and 5 show vaqueteo as applied in the beguine and afro mmc.
12767-40

1
L.T.;m

e e e e e e o e

e e e e e e o e

g J J J J J 3 J Id

e e e e e e o e
L

f}

R R

: 11

L R.

,..,

o e

J J J El ~

~ J J J fJ ~ Jg
R

e e e e e

gJ J J J J ~

1!

JJJJJ~ ~ J

e e e e e e o e

e e e e e e o e

=J J J J J J

- J
J
J
J
~
~

e e e e e e o e

e e e e e e o e

~ JJJJJ~ J

9;

L.T.

J !]

t'

3
L. T.

p:

e e e e e e o e

e e e e e e o e

n ~

JJJJJ~ J

e e e e e e o e
1

J J J I:J
R

~ J

J :

e oc e e e e o e

R1 R

J J=:J J=:J J=:J

RLR

R1 R

RLR

..n

e e e e e o o o
L<

R L R

E3

e e e e e o o o
L

e oe e e e e o e

R LR

11

J e' fl fl fJ

J !? J=:J FJ fJ 1 Jf? F3

9;

e e e e e e o e

e oe e e e e o e

fJ

e oc e e e e o e

L.T.

4
9:

J J J J J J J J J J j i

:>:

L.T.;

:ll

= nE:J :rg d na:rg

e e e e e o o o
R

R LR

I,

v: = t?:.:!GJ

a
R

e e e e e o o o

R L R

:t:J.E3

: 11

,..
'

J()

VAQUETEO AND BASS DRUM

6
The following section shows how vaqueteo is to be played with the orchestra.
These examples should be practiced conscientiously to attain smooth and precise coordination between the two hands and the foot (bass drum). Always bear in mind that the bass
drum must be played very lightly so that it won't interfere with the bass vio!.

e e e e e e oe e e e e e e o e e e e e e e o e e e e e e e oe

RLRRRLRLRLRRRLRLRLRRRLRLRLRRRLRL
L.T

..

B .D

..

,.

7
Below is an example similar to the one above with this difference: Here the first
note of the last beat in each bar is played on the high timbal rather than cm the low one.
This pattern should be used frequently, since the single high note breaks the monotony
and enhances the accent which is particularly important in this 1hythmic phrase.

e e e e e e o e e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe

R L R R R L R L R L R R R L R L R L'R R R L R L R L R R R L R L
1

S.T

l l

J l

1 l

_l

1 1 1 1

L .T.

B.D

8
Notice that in the example below the accent is still on the first note of the last beat
and is played on the low timbal, but that the first note of the third beat is now played on
the high timbal. It is recommended to combine all of tltese examples by playing an even
number of bars of one phrase followed by the same number of bars of another.

12767-40

11

e e e e o e oe e e e e o e oe e e e e o e oe e e e e oe oe

R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
1

1 1 1 1 J

S.T

L. T.

..

B.D

9
This example is almost identical with N o. 8 except that only the third and fourth
bass drum beats are played, the accent falling on the fourth beat. This is a very effective
pattern, which must, however, be carefully coordinated to avoid crossing the beat.

e e e e o e o e e e e e o e o e e e e co e o e e e e e o e o e

,,

R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
1

S.T.

L.T

..

B.D
1

BEGUINE

10
The beguine, a dance similar to the bolero, comes origina1ly from Martinique. Note
that the accents are somewhat different from ordinary vaqueteo and that there is a decided syncopation in the bass drum which does not occur in other types of Latn-American
mUSlC.

e oca e e e o e e oca e e e o e e oca e e e o e e occ e e e o e

R RLR L R L R L R R.IR L R L R L R RLR L R L R L R RLR L R L R L

ji:!

1'1

S.T
L.1'.

~~~

B.D

~~~

~il

..

'"t

~1

VI

VI

12

AF'RO

11
The afro, brought to Cuba by the slaves, has a slow blues tempo that reveals the
influence of the African jungle on Cuban music. It is always ac:companied by a montuno
which will be described in a later section.

eS.T
L. T.

e e o o o e-

e e o o o e-

R RL R L R R R

R RL R L R R R

r--r=;

~f

1 1 1 1 1

e e o o o e-

e e o o o

R RL R L R R R

R RL R L R R R

1 1 1 1 1

rr=;

1111

~1111

..
:

B.D
1

After practicing the examples on the preceding pages one should be able to play
the va.queteo fairly well. At this stage it is no longer necessary to limit oneself to either
the high or low timbal as the examples seem to indicate. Rather, these phrases should be
combined, reversed, etc., so that the major number of beats are iri a pitch in accordance
with the register in which the orchestra is playing. When the melodic line of the orchestra
is below middle register, the low timbal should domnate, while above middle register the
high timbal should be more frequently used.

BREAKS

12
Breaks at the end f an even-bar phrase are most effective on the timbales. They
are used as transition from one melodic phrase to another.

e e e e

rs :CS0

R L R L R R R L L

r :JO

e e e e

R R

R R

R L R L R R R L L R
11 r 1 rr Tl ~~~~F~i

hl t"l

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 fiiiR 1

S.T
L. T.

rBREAK

r s rs

r' S l'".\ 0

r s r .'J 1'20

R R

R R

hl b

1i
1

BREAK

- -

B .D
1

12767-40

13

13
Below is another example of a very effective break. It is important to accentuate
decidedly wherever accents are marked. Note the flam (grace note) u sed in the vaqueteo
before the break.

e e o o rs rs rs rs o o
El L R R ~ nL R L L
1 1 1 1 ~
111

S.T.

e e

rsO o
R L L

O O

RL R

r11

rs :rsrsrsrsO

rsO O

H Rr11
L L

~11

R L L

n, .
.

L.1'.
BREAK

BREAK -

B.D
1

14
Study the break in Example 14. It begins on the low h"mbal and ends on the high
, one so that the last note, which is played open for volume and is accented for effect, establishes a strong up-beat that leads into the next bar squarely and decisively.

e e e e o e o e e e o rs rs o
RLRRRLRLRLRR-RR
j

rllllJllltiJD

S.T
L.T

e e e e o e o e e e o rs rs o
RLRRRLRLRLRR-RR
1 l J 1 1 l 1 l J 1 1 l 111

..

--~___,

BREAK

-j

BREAK -

..

B.D
1

15
In the next example flams are used in the break. The fiam is in itself an accented
effect. However, at this point it is advisable to make the accent both pronounced and loud
to underline the fact that the timbales are the predominating instruments.

e e e e e e o e
R L R L R L R
1

S.T.
L.T.

1 1 J

rs

~fl

C e e e e e 0 e

rs rso

.11 ltJL

BREAK

R L R L R L R
l

rs

JS

r s0

~!1!1

hf

BREAK

12767-40

...

B.D
1

..

.,;;;;,_~-~

..

--

] .j.

PAILA
The term paila has the same origin as the English word " pail", and refers to the
metal sides of the timbales. The term paila in Cuban music indicates that the notes are to
be played by striking the sides of the timbales to produce a metallic sound. Paila is at
present considered the most modern style of playing rumba music. See illustration No. 4.

lll. 4

16
The first and basic rhythm in paila is very simple, consisting merely of a succession of eighth notes. This pattern is repeated continuously. However, strict care must be
taken to accent the first and third beats in each bar.
R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L

P.f}e_ lll i lll1! lll! lll1! lll! i l i! lll ~[ l i}j

17

The example below begins to deviate slightly from the basic rhythm. The first beat
of each bar consists of one eighth and two sixteenth notes while each of the remaining
beats has two eighth notes as before. Please note that in this example the first and third
beats are still accented.
R RLR L R L R L R RLR L R L R L R RLR L R L R L R RLR L R L R L

P.

f):e [nfl! lll[Qfl! lll[llfl H!f#fl i

a isll

18
The following is a combination of the two examples above. Note that the first bar is
taken from Example 17 and the second from No. 16 with the same accents .
R RLR L R L R L R L R L R L R L R RLR L R L R L R L R L H L R L

P.

f): e

fJfl i lll { lll ! ll i lfllfl ! ll i 1t ll Al JJi ;1

12767-40

1
i

1:>

CLAVE BEAT

You may have heard frequent mentan made of the importance of the cla ve beat in
Latn-American music. The beat takes its name from the claves, two small sticks that are
tapped against each other. " Clave" means "key", which is a most appropriate name for
these sticks since they give the rhythmic pattern that must be followed by the melodic
line and any other subsidiary rhythms in all rumba music. Any departure l'om the clave
beat will distort and change the basic hythm. For the 1nesent most of the examples will
have accents that coincide with the clave beat. However, even wh en such accents are not
indicated, it is extremely important for the ti?nbalero always to feel the cla ve beat and to
relate all other patterns to it.

19
The following example demonstrates the basic claue phrase consisting of two bars
with the following distribution of accents:
first accent-lst bar, 1st note of the 1st beat
second accent-lst bar, 2nd note of the 2nd bea t
third accent -1st bar, 1st note of the 4th beat
fourth accent-2nd bar, 1st note of the 2 nd beat
,.
fifth accent-2nd bar, 1st note of the J rd beat

20
In simple mathematical terms this adds up to the following grouping, vvhich rhythmically elimina tes the bar-line within each phrase :
% plus :_:~ plus ~.~ plus :!._ plus }<

nnnn1nnnn
>

>

>

>

21
The example below also shows the full clave beat effect but with a different rhythmical division of the notes. It is wdl to practice these and other rhythmical figures in
combination, being careful always to place the clave accents very exa~tly.

12767-40

\6

COWBELL (GANGARRIA)
The cowbell is a familiar instrument \\hich needs no further clescription. For best
results a bell either in G or C should be used. It is played \Yith the right hand, frequently
in conjunction with syncopations or off-beats executed by the left hand on the large timbal.
In order to avoid monotony, it is possible to create rhythmic effects and force certain
accents by varying the tone of the cowbell. A low tone is procluced by striking the bell
near the opening, a high sound by striking it near the base of the closed end. See illustrations 5 and 6.

Jll. 5

Jll. 6

22
The basic cowbell rhythm consists of four notes to the bar, played on the beat:
low (tone) -high-low-high.

?:e

c.B.

:1
23

The cowbell, like the paila, may also be played in a number of different ways, with
syncopated phrases that give a lift to the rhythm and make it more interesting to listen
and dance to. In the next example note that the first bar retains the four basic notes
while on the second beat of the second bar there are two eighth notes both of which are
played in the higher register.

C.B.

2'C

*~

!:L

~ 1~ ~!

b!
24

The following example begins to deal with accents. Observe that there are accents
on the first and third beats of the first bar, on notes in the low register, and again on the
third beat of the second bar, on a note in the high register.
12767-40

17

bL
9:e !
!
L

C.B.

H-

.n.,~

H - - -

H-

l.

H-

p I ~1! .n.! .n.,

p ~ l:ll

25
This example is a most effective one. It has a very set rhythm that gives a lift to
the orchestra. You will notice that the second bar has three stlaight beats followecl by a
syncopation on the fourth beat.

H-

~
26
Here again we deal with the clave beat, this time given by the cowbell. The exercise should be practiced repeatedly until the player has tho1oughly conditioned his ear to
the beat.

27
In this example you will notice that there are more accents than are called for by
the clave beat. However, the basic five accents are still present and should be made more
pronounced than the additional ones.

28
Here not all the clave beats are retained, therefore the player must mentally follow
the full five-beat clave pattern while playing the exercise as notated. This will train him
to think in terms of the clave beat even when playing other accents.

127(>7-lO

18

TUMBA O
The turnbao is essentially a bass beat upon which other rhythmic patterns are
built. Sometimes it is played on the beat, more frequently on the o.ff-beat. It 11_1ay be executed either with the fingertips of the left hand or, for more volume (in loud passages
with a large orchestra), with the left stick on the heads of the timbales.
Whenever the orchestra uses a conga drum, played by someone other than the regular drummer, this instrument also plays the tumbao. In simple phrases it supports the
timbales with the same rhythm. However, many effects can be obtained by the use of
counh ,-tumbaos which, when sounded together, produce a fuller and rhythmically more
intr i :tV jJ aLtern.
The examples given in this book deal only with tumbao on the o.ff-beat. However,
once the student is fully familiar with the functions of the tu.mbao he may play on or off
the beat at his own discretion.

29
,.

Below is an example of the simplest off-beat tu m bao with whole notes on the second and fourth beats of the bar.

L .T.

:1

~ += ~

J t

J t

:1

30
This is an example of tumbao in a more complex form: first a muffied note on the
off-beat (second beat), and then two eighth notes on .the fomth beat played open for more
sound and resonance.

oo

o o

o o

o o

L L

L L

L L

L L

;,>:e 1 J

LT.

1J 1

t J t nZJJ

31
The following is the exact opposite of Example 30. N otice that the eighth notes are
now on the second beat and the quarter note is on the fonrth beat. In this case, however,
the first two notes should be played on the small timbal and the open note on the fourth
heat on the large t-imbal.

S.T.
L .T.

9;C ~

1~767-10

o o

L L

n ~

o o
L L

o o

LL

L L

~e-n

o
L

oo

L L

l
i'

19

PLAYING THE PAILA IN COMBINATION WITH THE TUMBAO AND THE

BASS DRUM

The bass drum can be very offensive to the ear if it is not treated with delicacy.
An incorrect, rough beat may result in monotonous, unmusical pounding. It is advisable
to be extremely careful not to play too loudly and to use the drum gently. 1 have discovered this overusage of the bass drum to be the most prevalent mistake made by drummers
who play Latn-American music.

32
In the example below, the top line is the paila part, the second line the tumbao on
the timbales and the bottom line the part of the bass drum. N ote that the second beat is
played only by the timbal, while the fourth beat is the strong or "swing" beat and is played
not only by the timbal but is also accentuated by a light note on the bass drum.
RH

..

L.H.

S.T
L.T

..

..

B.D
1

-r-

33
This example is similar to the preceding one with the exception of the pana which
is played on all four beats of the bar. Also note that the first and third beats are accentuated on the paila while the fourth beat, played by the timbal and bass drum as well, carries
a natural accent that does not need to be underlined. The volume of sound on this beat,
obtained by playing the timbal open with the additional support of the bass drum, gives
this note predominance over all other accented notes.
RH

L.H.

S.T
L. T.

.
.

--

..

....

B.D

- -

~ -~.

20

34
Here the rhythmic pattern requires a good deal of practice for the sake of coordination. Note that the second beat o:f the second ba1 in the pana line is composed of two
eighth notes. These eighth notes, which must be played simultaneously with the tumbao on
the timl>al, are follow ed immediately by an accented quarter note on both the paila and
bass drum.
l'\.. H

P.

,......,

f:r:;.l.. ll.

=-

ct~

=--=
e
+-

S.T
L.T

o
1

,....,

f--- .

B.V
1

,.

..
..

.
.
-- --

35
This example is mechanically quite intl'icate. The player should repeat it often
until the sounds are well established in his ear, so that he can play the pattern by memory
and at different speeds. Note that there is an increased number of eighth notes in the
paila part and that there are two eighth notes in the tumbao on the fourth beat of every
bar.
r"'R .H.

,......,

1'

L.H.

S .T
L.T

0-Sf

,......,

'

.l

...1

o o

oo

11

'

i'i

~-

B.D

.
1

PLAYING THE COWBELL IN COMBINATION WITH THE TUMBAO AND THE

BASS DRUM
The following examples are almost the same as those given for the paila. All the
rules apply as before except that two different pitches are used to indicate which register
of the cowbell is to be played.

36
In the example below, the cowbell is played m the low register only, with an
12767-40

21

accented note on the first and third beats of every bar. This is a basic rhythm to be used
essentially for practice purposes. However, simple as it is, this rhythm may still be used
for actual playing. It can be a very effective pattern, particularly suited to parts where
the orchestral arrangement is otherwise congested.
L
R.H. 1

L
1

-'"---

L.H.

l'

,l-

..

')

37
,
In this example the cowbell plays on all four beats, with the first and third beats
accented and played in the low register. The second and foul'th beats are played in the
high register and are unaccented, inasmuch as these notes tend to predominate simply
because of their higher pitch. Thus, the aecents on the down-beats se1ve less to emphasize
these beats than to balance the naturally accented off-beats.
R.H.

.l

.l

L
1

L.fl.

.
1

..

--

.
1

38
In the followng example the cowbell plays all four beats of the first bar just as in
the preceding example. In the second bar two eighth notes are substituted for the single
note on the second beat. Observe that both of these eighth notes are played in the high
register. Throughout these exercises the fourth beat of the bar still has the most power
since it is the only beat which is played by all three component instruments.

39
Note here that for the sake of lightness all the sets of eighth notes in the cowbell
are played in the higher register to counteract the rhythmical cqmplexity they lend to the
phrase.
L

H - L

o o

o o

oo

oo

40
In the following example the cowbell plays two set s of eighth notes on the second
and fourth beats of the first bar and one set of eighth notes on the fourth beat of the second bar. However, the basic accents on the first and third beats remain.
L

H-

H-

H-

H-

R.H.

H-

H-

C.B.~gg~g~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
e

12767-40

..

41
In Example 41 the cowbell plays eight notes in every bar. Notice that the clave
beat is present throughout each two-bar phrase. This is a very good exercise in coordination, with a beat and off-beat rhythm between the left hand and bass drum that must at
the same time coincide with the clave accents on the cowbell.
R.H.

l. 1 1 l

C.B
L.H.

S.T
J.,. T . ~,

B .D

,.

42
Hre is an example with much more variety where the rhythmic pattern of the
cowbell changes every other bar. In the first bar the basic accents on the first and third
beats are retained, while the accents in the second bar are successively on the first, second
and third beats. Y ou will notice that the tumbao on the timbal has also changed from one
quarter note to two open eighth notes on the fourth beat of the bar.
R.H. 1

rll

.1

rtl

o o

C.B

o o

o~

L.H.

ri

!'""'-~

oo

11

..

L.T

B.D

S.T

All these examples should be practiced in turn by moving from one to the other
without stopping. This sort of training will facilitate the frequent changes called for in
actual dance arrangements. It is best to play eight bars of one phrase before moving to
the next pattern.

12767-40

21-

DANCES AND BREAKS

This section of the book, giving full drum scores as well as advanced and more
complex rhythmic patterns, is in fact a synopss of \Vhat has gone before. Here the many
basic rhythms and instrumental combinations that have been dealt wth previously are
now set down in actual context. The scores outline the forms of various dances and give
general indications for the use of instruments. Although it is best at the beginning to
follow the arrangements as they are written, the instruments may be substituted and
interchanged at will unless the explanations spedfically cal! for one particular instrument.
Generally speaking, the functions of the drummer in this music are much the
same as in North American music. Aside from providing the rhythmical basis for the entire orchestra, he may occasionally support one' or the other instrumental section, returning to the basic rhythm at the end of such a phrase. At times a drum filling will be indicated in the last two bars of an eight-bar phrase where he might take a break on the
timbales, cowbell, paila or cymbals, either singly or in combination. Finally, he may improvise l'eely over the basic rhythm in a way that does not conflict with the phrasing
and figures of other instruments. It is essential to remember that discreet playing always
results in finer and better effects.
Before taking up the various Latn-American dances it should be mentioned here
that many of them have what is known as a montuno, an eight or sixteen bar phrase at
the end of the principal theme that may be played for an indefinite length of time. In this
section the pace of the whole orchestra is tightened up and the tempo increased, while inst ruments such as the trumpet or piano alternately improvise short solos around the
theme. Eventually the principal section is repeated so that the whole makes a simple
A-B-A form.

1
1

GUARACHA
The guaracha is the most popular of the Cuban social dances. It is faster than the
bolero, which makes it more suitable for dancing, and slower than the exhibition rumba,
being thereby less tiring. lt has a lot of drive and must be played with "push" and character. Many of the rhythmic patterns used in slower dances are also played in guarachas.
However, the stepping up in tempo makes these pattems ;:;ound more effective.
Among the following examples you will find fui! pages of music which may be
applied as they stand to almost any g'uaracha. They show a variety of rhythms and
changes from one instrumental component to anothe1, a ffording continuity without becoming monotonous.

43
In Example 43 on the opposite page the first four bars are played on the paila with
aceents on the first and third beats. Thi s is a smooth and settled way of playing for easy,
relaxed dancing. After four bars of the same rhythm it is advisable to take a break so
that the dnnnming cloes not become boring to the listener. However, so that the change
from the simple rhythm to the break will not be too abrupt, two bars of a more complex
rhythm me in serted which serve as "leacl-in" to the break. In this instance the accents are
the same as in the fi.rst four ba rs, but the first beat of each bar is now divided into one
eighth and two sixteenths instead of two eighths. In the seventh bar the break begins
which serves as complement to the phrase just completed by the rest of the orchestra. To
achieve eontrast the timbales are substituted for the paa, the notes being played brilliantly hand-to-hand. The last four notes, the filst of which is a iam, are played on the
12767-40

t
1

2 ,)-

rim of the small timbal.

After the break the montuno sets in. In this case it is an eight-bar phrase played
by the cowbell. Observe that the only departure from the one-note-to-the-bar pattern occurs
in the fifth bar where the second beat is composed of two eighth notes. Note also that the
tumbao in the left hand goes into action as soon as the nwntuno begins.
PAII,A

..::::_.

TIMBALES

S .T
L.T

. -

---2:

t-

BASS T>RUM

r--=- .r--'1

~,....,

BREA~

CO WJ:ELL

r s --- - -:::>

~ -h 1 1

-h--

.l

'--""

..
1

1.

J ==k=-----1

MONTUNO

..

'.B

J.

e
:I.T.

h;-

~-.

..

?. D. -

L
IT"F

_n 1

H- L

.l

.t

L
1

.n 1 I

J.

o
~

:b

r r
H

L
1

I .
.

,...,

H-

.::.r.
1

12767-40

..

26

44
This is another example of the guaracha with a break and a montuno on the cowbell. Again we begin with a regular gu,aracha rhythm which continues until two bars befare
the break. In the basic rhythm each beat is divided into one eighth ami two sixteenth notes
with the accents on the first and third beats of the bar. For the sake of conLast, the
rhythm in the next two bars is simplified. There is an accented quarter note on the fourth
beat of the last bar which again serves as "lead-in" for the break. Note that this accented
quarter on the fourth beat occurs also in the two bars of the break, giving a feeling of
continuity to the passage. Note also that through the free use of rim shots the break
gets the character of a drum solo although the remaining r hythm instruments continue
to play throughout the break.
In the montuno we again reinforce the rhythm section by bringing the tumbao into
action and switching from the paila to the cowbell. The two-bar ph1ase which is repeated
throughout the mont'uno has a symmeti'ic first bar and a second bar consisting of two
accented quarter notes on the first and second bea ts foll owed by four unaccented eighths.
To balance the unaccented second half of the bar the cowbell is l'einforced on the fourth
, beat by an accented beat on the timbal.
PAILA

BASS IJR UM

r--1

r--1

r--1

Ir:~ o1
~r40 1 _pe;

BREAK :::::.~H o1

S.T. g ;HBAJ,J<:S .

L.T.

-rs

COWBELL

-,

.1

>

rt

B.D.
1

---r

f'

MONTUNO
L
C.B

17..""\ ' "

.n

H - L
1

12767-40

~ ~ ~ri ~
e

~1

---

H - L
_l_l_l 1

o
1

~h

L
1

-.:

?-

Ti

L
1

~1

e,

>1
1

- - JJ.l.l

11

..
1

t-

>1

n,'

>1

tz-,..- -

H - L

-_[ l 1 l

B -

>1

e
S.T . tr-,,- I--rL .T
B.D

~n

o
~

1
1

L
1

- - _l_[.[]

'

e,
1

- ~~-

..

SON-MONTUNO
The son-montuno has a more leisurely tempo than the guaracha and picks up speed
only when the montuno itself is reached. Because of this slow tempo the arrangements are
ordinarily made so as to bring out melodic and contrapuntal effects in the orchestra. It is
therefore best for the drummer to stay in the background as much as possible, using a
conservative, well-balanced and unobtrusive beat which provides a rhythmic background
on which the orchestla rides. For body of sound this rhythmic background is usually
played on the heads of the timbales as shown in Example 45.

45
Notice that there are few marked accents since each open note is in itself naturally accented.
In the montuno the tempo is increased and the cowbell comes into play with a
bright and obvious entry. Here again the tumbao on the large timbal is used to emphasize and balance the syncopations on the cowbell.

e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe
R

S.T

L.T

TJ.IH H.

rz:""'.'

L R R R L R I R L RRRJ.. RLR LRRRLRLRIRRRL R 1

1
1
l
1-1-

#.f.SS DRUM

--

e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe e e e e e e oe e e e e e ooo

R L R R R L R L R L R R R L R L R L R R R L R L R L R R R L R L
1

_1

:n-,

MONTUNO
l

. ..

COWBJ<.'LLI

C.B

12767-40

>?

?
L.L.__

1 1

1 1

1 1

1
1

1 1

1 1 1

..

>? .

?
1

1 1

>?

>?

.
1

>?

>?

?
1

>?

1
1

>to

S.T
L.T
B.D

 ------

...-

"-------------------. -. - -~~---~-----------

2B

HUMEA

Example 46 is a rumba exercise. The rumba has a fa st tempo that allows the
drummer grea.t freedom of action. In particular, the f r equent change from one form of
pereussion to anothet, as often as the arrangement pe1mits, is very effective. Such changes
must oecur only after an even number of bars, preferably eight. After the break the drummer m~ve r teturns to the same rhythmic pattern played befo1e the break, nor, if possible,
to the same type of percussion. In other words, the break is in effect a conjunction between
two thythmically and instrumentally contrasting sections.

46
Note in Example 46 that the clave beat is indiea ted by accents which must be
played distinctly. Also, since this is a fast tempo, the bass drum changes to a more comfortable thythm on the first and third beats of the bar. It should be played very softly to
avoid contiict with the bass viol and other rhythm instruments. Observe that fiams are
used in both the break and the cowbell part.

BREAK

1~7G7-10

rs

29

47
In Example 47 we have another exercise in rumba rhythm. It should be noted here
that all phrases written for pa.ila can, for the sake of variety, be played on the cowbell
and vice versa. In this exercise a variant of the clave beat appears in which the accent on
the fourth beat of the first bar is omitted.
The break is more complicated than in the previous example. The bass drum, continuing on the first and third beats of the bar, shoulct be played softly as was recommended previously.
After the break there is a change from paila to cowbell. It is suggested that the
accents be almost imperceptible at the outset, becoming gradually more pronounced.
PAIDA_+-f
""'

lfli1 SS

{) R U lii

--

--

rs ________________________
rsO

OrsO

Orso

R L

L R L - L

L R L

,. '{,4\f u.
S.T

L.T

.
.

.._,

" -h

R L R L R

~1 1 1 1

o_o_

R R - L R R - R L
.rl 1 1 1 1 r1 1

B.D

1
cow

~{'1~--

C.B g.-~ S.T

"""'

n1

__

---

'
1'\

r""\1

n1

1"\1

L.T
f-::.<::

B.D
l L _ __

1
1

1
1~767-10

n1

~1

1'\

o,

ni

n1

1""11

t"''

48

The following pages give a complete drum score for the well-known rumba "Say
'Si Si'."

!'.
>

::::-

>

S.T.

CHORUS
CUWB!;"LL

>

12767-40

L. T.

>

31

J nJ
<r

<r

J J 8 Jl1 12

<r

lO

..

13

14

15

16

21

22

23

24

11

..

.
lB

17

12

-- -

19

20

27

28

tz.-.

25

26

...:::._..

..
30

29

. .

1>

J
<r

J3l

[]

32

::>

.
~

'

--

>

So

---

.
1

APRO
The main part of the afro is always played on the heads of the timbales instead of
on the paila. Note that the variety of effects in this section of the afro is achieved not by
changing the value of the notes or the accents in the different phrases, but by the change
of pitch, as shown in the fifth and seventh bars of Example 49.
As mentioned earlier, the montuno is also used in conjunction with the afro. However, the afro montuno is not as fast as the rnont?.tno in other Cuban music. Rather, the
tempo is increased only a fraction while the accents are made much more emphatic.

49
Here again the bass drum plays on the first, third and fourth beats of the bar with
an accent on the fourth beat.

32

Observe also that the afTo montuno, because it is slower than other montunos, enables the drummer to use a more effective and difficult tum bao: first a muffi.ed quarter
note on the second beat of the bar and then two eighth notes on the fourth beat played
open for natural accentuation.

e ce e e o o o e e e e e o o o e e e e e o o o e e e e e o o o

RL R L R R R R R L R L R R R

R RLR L RR R

R R L R L RR R

'1'1 :1/ /lA Lr,'S

s.r.~g~~g~~~~~~~~~~~g~~
L.T.If2
BASS

DR UM

e cccc ooo e eccoooo e ecccooo e ccccooo

R RLRLRRR R RLRLRRR R RLRLRRR

R RLRLRRR

..MONTUNO
L - H - L - H - L - H - L - H - L - H - L - H - L

o o

o o

oo

oo

CONGA
On the following pages you will find a number of examples showing different conga rhythms.

50
N otice that one bar has straight rhythm while the next is syncopated. It is this
syncopation that gives the conga its style. The first bar is played on both the high and
low thnbal. The second bar has the first note on the high tl:mbal and the stTong or conga
beat on the low t1:mbal.

33

S.T

oo

. ~.

o.,

oo
_hl

L.T

B .D

~1

~l .

51
In this example the first bar remains the same as in the previous one while the
second bar changes slightly. Note, however, that the conga beat is always in the same
rhythmic position.

S.T
L.T
B.D

e o -

L R -

e o

L R i'il

111

.
1

..

~~

~1

52
Here the first bar is still unchanged and the second bar is phrased as in Example
51, but the conga beat, played on the crash cymbal, is more predominant than before.

S.T
L.T
B.D

o
1

C Y.'I!f-

--

CYM-

.
1

~1

~~

53
This is an example of the conga beat played on the cowbell. It follows the same
pattern as Example 51, beginning in the high register with the conga beat at all times in
the low register.

C.B
B.D

11

L ~1

L -

bJ

.
1

.
:-

~1

1
1

~1

54
This is a combination of two previous exarn ples. Note th at, although the conga
beat remains the same, the distri bution of notes differs from one two-bar phrase- to the next.
O

S.T
L.T

s. n

'"'"'" -

O
1

O1

"

O
1

O
1

O
1

e o

LH RH-

..

~1

~1

55
This example combines the cowbell, tim.bales a nd bass dl'Um. Although the cowbell
is syncopated throughout, it is the bass drum which gives the main conga beat, with the
cowbell leading into the beat in the second bar of the phrase.

C.B

.b l

e
S.T
L.T

1\ "'

bl l

L - L

bl

hhl

b~

H - L

:h.

~.-

B.JJ

~1

-i

~1

1 ..

56
This is another example of con ga rhythm with the cowbell as the most prominent
instrument and the conga beat in the bass drum part.

C .B

bl

"'

e
S .T
L.T

"'

o,

1 bl

L - L

L - L

"' 1

e,

o,

e,

~b J.

B.D
1

------ - -- - --

.... -- ""'-----

_ ..;_ ~ -- ----- - ~..--

~1

~1

~b 1 .
.
o,
.

:~.)

57
The melodic structure of certain congas is such that the two bars must be interchanged so that the syncopated bar is followed by the straight rhythm bar. All preceding
examples may naturally be applied to this conga type by simply 1eversing the bars of each
two-bar phrase.

o
S.T
L.T
B.D

o~

o
J

o -

~ 1

1
o

--~

..

....... _.>

Pl

PI

AJGO
The nan1go is a ritual dance which also originated in Africa. To this day it is
danced at Cuban festivals and carnivals in its o1iginal form. It is a very colorful dance,
,. every step and rhythm of which has its tl'aditional meaning. It is written in six-eighth
time and played allegro.

58
In this example have the r1aii.igo in its plainest fo1m, with the bass drum carrying
two beats to every bar against six beats of the ti1nbales. The entire top line is played on
the low timbales.

e e
R

e o e

e e e

e o e

e e e

e o e

e e ()

R L

R R L

R R L

R R L

R R l

R R 1

'

S.T :rx
L.T
B.D

,J

R L

.
1

R R 1
1

:.;.

::>

(: u e

>

..
1

59
This example introduces changes of pitch. Notice that the second note of every
beat is played on the high tnbal.

S.1'.

L. T.
B.D

e e e

e o e

e e e

e o e

e e e

RRL

RRL

RRL

RRL

RL
1

_.

___..

8 e
RL
1

e e e

e () e

RRL

RRL

--"

1
1>7(:.7 111

..
- -.
.

l,

60
Here the ,aigo is played on the cowbell. Note that the rhythm is no longer the
same as that played by the timbales. The first beat consists of a quarter note followed by
an eighth, while the second beat is the exact reverse with an eighth note followed by a
quarter. The entire passage is played in the low register of the cowbell.

61
,-

This example is more complex than the fo1egoing one. Here the pattem of syncopation changes in every bar. While the second bar of each two-bar phrase carries on the
rhythmic pattern of Example 60, the first bar introduces a new pattern which is a reversa!
of the second bar.

62
Here again the aigo is played on the timbales, but only one note in each two-bar
phrase is struck on the small timbal, this being the second note of the second beat in
every second bar.

e e e e o e -e e e
RRL

RRL

e o e o e e e e e o e

R L

R R L

R R L

R R L
1 l
l
__.

.
.

63
This example introduces a third component instrument. The cowbell, played with
the right hand, has syncopations which are made more effective by accents on the first and
second beats of every bar, while the left hand plays an oft'-beat after every beat of the bar
1~767-10

and the bass drum continues with the straight beat.

1'\1

t--.

C.B

e>)

:-:::.:)

....

S.T.
L. T.

B.D.

( >)

( >)

"'

""
o

\.>)

t-..

\ ::::>)

~
1

_.!:.

1\:::::.)

"

""'

l ::->)

"

"'

.
-

..

..

64
This example is very similar to the preceding one inasmuch as the left hand and
bass drum are unchanged. You will notice, however, that the syncopations on the cowbell
are in two-bar phrases and differ in each of the two bars.
r"\i

C.B.
,-

L. T.

bJ

1"11

"

S."T.

"'

"

"

t'\

1"11

..

"

"

"

B.D

SAMBA

The ::;amba is the native dance of Brazil. It is played with wire brush (left hand)
and mallet (right hand) on the snare drums with the snares off. The t1'mbales are almost
never used in this dance except, like the tom-tom, for an odd beat here or there.

65
This example gives the bass drum pattern for all samba. music: two notes to the
bar with an accent on the third beat. The top line shows the use of brush and mallet.

R.! R11,

-M' R-B, Rrll RE, RI, RB, RI, RB, R-Ir

R~

RM' RE

RM RM

S.

B.D
1

1::!767 --lO

~~~~~
. - --~:::-;r.-RJ.if,...,.. WI! ,, "~~;J ,. ,,~,I!~,:; . .:A.III,'I: .~ ;\V..'' IUic.7.-'. V.,l. .'.1& ,.~~ '1':.,.~ . ,f__-~"i':':.- ;;.~.1'.. . ..:~. ':1". '":~~, .._, ..n.o:.

'""'IS.S ,, ,.,, ~..._,_.. "..._____ ,., _ _ _~----------------. . .-

:m

66
Here is a more complex samba type. The ilrst bar con~; <: .. of a series of eighth
notes which are played with both brush and mallet. The last eighth is tied over to the first
eighth of the second bar which is followed by a syncopation. There is a quarter note on
the last beat which prepares the repetition of the entire phrase.

67

,.

The following is a very rhythmic samba pattern. All ba1 s .tre a repetition of the
first, thus establishing a smooth, continuous ftow. Note that Lhe brush is used on the
second half of the first and third beats and that there is an ac c(~ nt on the third beat.

RLRRRLRRRLRRRLRRRLRRRLFhRLRHRLRR

S.D.

~
g~~~~~~~~g
::~n_c
1
Si

--~:

==::s:=:=:__

B.D. ~~~~~~~~~-~~':

68
This is the most popular and widely used sam ba rhythn:. It is quite simple once
the ear has become accustomed to it. One of the most important t ~ ings to remember is
the accent on the third beat of the bar which gives the samba its particular character.

TANGO
The tango needs little, if any, explanation. It is played on the snare drum wth a
roii on the last note of every second bar that carries over into the first beat of the next bar.
1~7(i7- 10

A more authen tic manner of playing would be to carry four straight beats to the
bar. However, as this i :.; not the general style here, it is best to follow the scores of "La
Cumparsita" and "Tango of Roses" which indicate how the tango is played for social
dancing in N orth Ameri1;a.

69
The following drum score for the famous "Tango of Roses" shows the use of the
cymbal in combination "'ith the snare and bass drums.

INTRO.
Tempo di Tango
-==::: CYlH

-=::::: CYM

~:~:~;$ t=1B ~ B~r ~ ~~z~ ad,!tib

>

>

>

:i ~ctt} u*D Q b u -D B
9; B Qrt) ;2]12j; t}1B; QIB B
9: Q;B 1 ;B 1 D;B~-B B 1 ~#~tJm

~tJ B ~~ tp =~ tP ?F ~ .Q 2 J B
tr ;

,.

::>

>

:>

>

::>

:::>

>

>

>

>

:::>

:::>

:::>

11

>

>

CHORUS

EJ [Fig 2]12] Q1Q 2]12] tr 1

~~1J B B B B B ~ JtJ r[? B
': B B U u16 g 1EF u1tF rJI~f H
:>;

>

>

:::>

1~767-10

r
\

,\.e'!',

j.()

70

12767 -lO

41

CALYPSO
This dance is not ordinarily played for ballroom or night-club social dancing, but,
since it is sometimes used by dance teams in exhibition numbers, an example is given here
for reference only.
Calypso originated in Trinidad. Like the Cuban dances it also can trace its descent
directly from the rhythms of the African jungle.

71
The bass drum plays a two-to-the-bar beat with no particular accents. All effects
are brought out by syncopations on the timbales. Observe that nearly all the notes are
played on the low timbal and that the rhythmic pattern does not remain the same in each
four-bar group.

o o

o o

Rr4

Rri

o o o e

Rrl Rr4

Rri

o e
R

o o

oc

L~ R

Rl;

o e o co

RM

RMRM

.
'.D

o o e o

r--1

.....

o e o e o e o e
LR LR L R L
Ji
11 11 'r-1

R
~

e o e o e

P.

o e o
L

o e o o

,-,
\.1

L
l

,
L
(

L~

o e p.o e o e o e o e
T
__R L
l
R T

-'

R
1

-1

' J
-

--

.
1

1 . - - - - - - - - - - 2.-----------0 e e o
RLRR

~?">;

e o o o

o e o

LRIR
~-r, 1

.....

RLR

- -1

o e o

RLR

-r:,

---------,
L

RLRL

..
..

-- - -

--
1

11l

o o o

RLR
1

12

M AMBO

The most recent development in Latn-American dance music is the mambo, best
described as "a marriage of American swing and Latn-American rhythm". This cmbination of rhythm and style may be applied to an entire dance number or to sections of
such dances as the guaracha or the slow rumba. Because its style of playing is much closer
to North American music than is ordinarily the case, it is easily understood and performed by musicians in this country and as a result has already gained a good deal of
popularity.

72

The example below gives a drum score for the rumba "Mama Inez" showing the
use of mambo rhythm in the latter half of the piece. Note that mambo rhythm differs from
rumba inasmuch as the accent is on the second instead of the first beat.

INTRO.

mu(lerato

,.

10

S)

11

~1
CHORUS
.)

S.T
L.T .

l7j

>

:::>

1-.

""'

.,.

':>

:::y}v.j jlJ J J J
hl!,LL j j
r

>

>

J J J J2 J J J J
~

B.D

14
15
-JJJJJJ]J JJJJJJJJ J J J J J J J J
>

""::':--

1.3

{;

1r

"{"'

>

':>.

>

':>

e>

lo

<f'r~h
,-... .

L.T.

>

~-

~1

tn67--to

L.T.-

1 >_

t.3

Mambo rhythm

nn . .

>

C.B

18

nn17j

B.D ..c.

b6

1
L_ 25 >
J J J J J J J J

C.B.

L.T.

{'

21

20

::>

51

27

..

o
1

J J J J J J J J
1{"

..

50

L.r

..

..
S.T.
1
l

52

> > >

..

-.

,.

29

1{"

28

'!"'

>l

>l 24 >l
~

>

B.D.
1

L.r

25

22

.. .. . . ..

..

JJJJJJJJ

{'

'!""

19

S.T.

Following are four examples of mambo rhythm as such.

L

1 r~~~~r~
~:~.gh-~!~~ir~r*

BREAKS
On the next page you will find a number of examples that may be used whenever
the arrangement calls for a break. Always play breaks close to the rims of the timbales
to bring out tone and volume for effective contrast.

77
N otice that this break folluws a melodic line of its own with a varying distribution
of notes in every bar that sets no particular pattern.

ooo o oo o o ooo
R L R

g~le~J

R L

::_{d

R L R

n~

o o o o oo o o

,u
LR

R LR
1

o o oo o
R

.,. ,___, !J J
))

1~

LR

jJ> J. !f

-.f'

1111!111!-------------------...,~--,---

. ------ -

.
l.
,

'

78
In this break we establish a rhythmic phrase in the first bar that is carried over
and repeated at the beginning of the second bar. Notice that rolls are used at the end of
the second and third bars.

rs O
RL

rs O
RL

rs O
RL

rs O
RL

rs ---------------------------- O
~RLRLR~RLRLRLRLR

1
~. ~.~-~-~~-f~J~f~J~&~
~~=~r.JJ~.O~~~J~J~J,m~;~J~Jl~-~Sm

79
Here all the notes of the first and second ba1s, one of which is a repetition of the
other, are played as rim shots. In the last two bars the d1ummer returns to the heads

rs

ooo oo - ooo o

-----------------------~------------

RLR~RjRLRLR

LRLRI. R LRLRI. R

L~

R L R

z~ :J;etJJ:. ~JJJn,:JJJnJJJn,J fJ J

R L - L R R

-2tfJ J J d4

80
This is a very effective break, but gTeat cme must be taken not to confuse the rest
of the orchestra. N oti ce that ftams a1e u sed and that the break itself begins with a 1est.

rs----------------------------------------------------- O
LLRLRLR
R L - L R
l R
LR - L R
LR
R L

LR

i:~: f} e 1 ~ .bJ .~.bJ .,~

l
~.

-~i?J .b -Sll

~~J~JJ

81
Here again \Ve use rim "hot~, bu t only to int1 oduee the break. This break must
again be played ve1y Hecisely in 01de1 not to confuse the othe1 players, es pecially in the
third bar which is initiated by an eighth rest.

rs---------0

OO O OO - O O
R R L - L R

R L RL R L R R L

.tm _r:) J f3 J

S.T.lEE
L.T.. .

1-

n_ru

r s----------------R

:11

82
In this break 1iln shots are used only to anticpate the following quarter notes
1n67--IO

45

which are played on the heads. Observe that every rim shot has the value of an eighth.

rsO

S.T.f)e
L. T.

oo

LR

~J

oo - oo
R L

L R

oo

R L

.PJ f:JJ .p~

rso

~J

rso
~L

'7

rs O o
~L L

J J

'7

11

RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS

BONGO ES
... These are two small drums usually made from thP same piece of wood, a tree trunk
that has been hollowed out, tapered and polished. One is smaller than the other and produces a higher tone. They are fastened together and held between the knees. The index
finger of the right hand is used to initiate the beat, while the thumb and index finger of
the left hand play the complement. Example 83 gives the basic bongo rhythm called
martillo. See illustrations N os. 7 and 8.

,,

lll . 7

ll/.8

CLAVES
We have already dealt with the importance of the clave beat. The beat is
given by the two clave sticks one of
which rests on the palm and fingertips
of the left hand, so that the hand forms
a cup beneath it to increase sonori_ty,
while the other is held in the right
hand like a drum stick and is struck
against the first. Example 84 shows
the cla ve beat. See illustration No. 9.

84

7}c J

tU"' r!"1

'1(

"t

Jo

lll. !J

46

MARACAS (Shakers)
These are two small gourds to which
handles have been attached and which
are filled with seeds. The lower one is
played with the right hand, the higher
one with the left. See illustration N o.
10.

111.10

~; dJJJJJJ1 Jj J j 3~ Jj J~ Jj J1 j j J~ Jj ll
CONGA DRUM
The conga drum is sometimes also
called tumbadora or tumba. It is made
in different sizes according to the depth
of sound preferred. The drum is generally about three feet high having a
head approximately ten inches in diameter. The left hand lies fiat against the
head and the right hand is cupped. All
four beats are played, but the first
three are mdrled by leaving the hands
on the head, while the fourth beat is
played open to bring out the accent on
the up-beat. See illustration No. 11.
lll. 11

86 J J J J
J J J J J J J J J J .l J ti
fJ: e
L

CABAZA
The cabaza, used mostly in Brazilian music, is a large dried calabash
with a loose net of beads around its
body. It is held by the stem with the
right hand, so that its head rests on
the palm of the left, and is played by
half-rotating the cabaza with a twisting movement of the wrists on every
beat of the bar. The third beat is always accented. See illustration N o. 12.
12767-40

TU. 1!'!

47

fe J j JJj lJ j j j JJlJ JJJl j J-JJ j J] JJ~

j

CHOCALLO

This is a closed metal cylinder filled

with seeds, which makes a high swishing sound when it is shaken. The chocallo is also used mainly in Brazilian
music such as sambas, maxixes and
Brazilian marches. I t is held in one
hand for soft passages and with both
hands ( one at either end) for faster
and louder numbers. Eight notes are

111. 13

played in each bar, with a heavy accent on the third beat as beforc. See
illustration N o. 13.

GUIRO
The guiro is a gourd which resembles a large dried squash with ribbed
,.cuts along its body. lt is held with the
thumb and one or more fingers of the
J.eft hand which are stuck into the
sound holes at the back of the instrument. Metal prongs or a hard stick are
rubbed over the ribs with the right
hand to produce the desired sound.
8ee illustration No. 14.
/ll.J4

n n d t n,t d5n,g n t:ll

QUIJA
The quija is a donkey's jawbone that
has been cleaned and painted. It 8 held
with the left hand near the front teeth,
the index finger between the two sides
of the j a w and the large open ends extending upward. One side of the quija
is hit with the right fist near the top of
the jaw so that it strikes against the
other side. In slow numbers it is played
on the first and third beats of the bar
and in fast numbers on the fourth beat
only. See illustration No. 15.

Ill. 15

.'..:... "-- --... :....

- --""- ~-' ' ''-""'~"'

....

~,,,..,,...

...

-~---

.......... . . .-, ..,_.. . _,. _ _,_- . .

~--

...................- . . .- ...... .. "-- --.. , ....._.... ., . ......, ......u.- .....

~,

~ah,..'.~ -

..- -

APPENDIX

90

COWBELL RHYTHMS POR CHA-CHA-CHA

CDL

r :Jl .,,:t ! !

t t ! ! i an nn, nnan:,,
L

LLHHLLHH

LLHHLLHH

The examples of cowbell rhythms for cha-cha-cba as shown in Excrcise 90 are basic
cha-cbtl patterns, which could be improvised on, using your own discretion. However
KEEP 1N MIND THE IMPORT ANT ACCENT MARKINGS.

,.

91

MERENGUE RHYTHMS

A dance which orgnated from the Dominican Republic. The merengue examples
should be played as wrtten, keeping in mind the rim shots and accents on the open beats.
If no timbales are available, a snare drum (with snares off) may be substituted.

92

PLENA RHYTHMS

A dance which originated from Puerto Rico, timbales is the preferred instrument
for this type of rhythm. However this rhythm can be played on a snare drum (with snares
off). The accent on the fourth beat is most important in this type of rhythm.