Latin Music Terms You Need to Know
Contents
Latin music is full of expressions that come from the heart. Here are some key terms you need to know to understand this beautiful genre.
Introduction
If you’re new to Latin music, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Perhaps you’ve heard a song on the radio and been intrigued by the catchy rhythms or passionate vocals. Or maybe you’ve seen a video of a live performance and been mesmerized by the energy and excitement.
Whatever your reason for wanting to learn more about Latin music, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will introduce you to some of the most important Latin music terms and concepts so that you can start understanding and enjoying this dynamic genre.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
The Different Types of Latin Music
Latin music is a genre that is rich and varied, with roots that can be traced back to the very beginnings of music itself. There are many different types of Latin music, each with its own unique history, sound, and style. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and influential types of Latin music.
Salsa
Salsa is a popular form of Latin dance that originated in the Caribbean. It is a fusion of Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms and has become one of the most popular dances in the world. Salsa is danced to a variety of music including: Cuban son, merengue, guaguancó, cha-cha-chá, bolero, and others.
Salsa can be danced either partners or alone. When danced alone, it is often referred to as ‘solo salsa’ or ‘salsa suelta’. Solo salsa is a great way to learn the basic steps and footwork of the dance, as well as to improve your sense of rhythm and timing.
Salsa partner dancing generally consists of two main components: lead and follow. The lead initiates the movements of the dance while the follow responds to these movements. In order to effectively communicate with your partner, it is important to learn how to lead and follow properly.
Merengue
Merengue is a type of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is estimated that the origin of the word “Merengue” dates back to 1823. The name is derived from the Spanish word “merengar” which means “to mix.”
Merengue is typically played on accordion, guitar, and tambora (a two-sided drum). The drumming style is unique in that it emphasizes a fast-paced 2/4 beat with quick triplets on the side drum.
The style of dancing varies depending on personal preference, but the most common way to dance merengue is by holding your partner close and taking quick, small steps side to side.
Merengue has become increasingly popular throughout Latin America and the world. In fact, it is considered the national dance of the Dominican Republic.
Bachata
Bachata is a style of Latin American music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early/mid-20th century. It is typically played on acoustic guitars and employs a four-beat melody. The lyrics often deal with themes of love, heartbreak, and relationships.
The music was originally seen as taboo due to its often erotic lyrics and its association with lower-class citizens. However, it eventually found its way into the mainstream and became popular throughout the Latin world. In recent years, bachata has seen a renewed interest from international audiences thanks to artists such as Romeo Santos and Prince Royce.
Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a musical genre that originated in Puerto Rico during the late 1990s. It is a fusion of Latin American and Caribbean music with hip hop, rap, and R&B. The lyrics are typically sung in Spanish, and the music is characterized by its heavy beat and catchy hooks. Reggaeton has become one of the most popular genres of Latin music in recent years, with hits by artists such as Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, and Bad Bunny.
Key Terms
Latin music is a genre that covers a wide range of styles, from the traditional Cuban son to the more modern cumbia. Even within these styles, there can be a lot of variation. To help you navigate this sometimes confusing landscape, we’ve compiled a list of key terms you need to know.
Clave
In Spanish, clave literally means “key,” as in key of a music composition. In Afro-Cuban music, clave is the guide rhythm that gives structure to the music. The clave pattern originated in Sub-Saharan African music traditions, and was later incorporated into Cuban popular music.
There are two main types of clave: 3-2 and 2-3. The difference between them lies in which side of the body the clave is played on. 3-2 clave is played on the “left” side (the left hand plays the three stroke, followed by the right hand playing the two stroke), while 2-3 clave is played on the “right” side (the right hand plays the two stroke, followed by the left hand playing the three stroke).
Tumbao
In Cuban music, a tumbao is a basic rhythmic pattern played on the conga drums. The pattern consists of eight beats, and is played on both the right and left drums. The basic tumbao pattern is often embellished with additional strokes, and is used in a variety of Cuban musical styles, including son montuno, salsa, and Afro-Cuban jazz.
Montuno
A montuno is a vamp or repeating chord progression in Cuban dance music. It usually consists of two chords, played in an ostinato pattern. The montuno is typically played by the piano or tres, with the bass and drums playing on the off-beat. The melody is improvised over the montuno by the trumpet or flute.
Guajeo
In Cuban music, a guajeo is an ostinato figure played by horns or keyboards. It’s one of the defining characteristic of Cuban music and often sets the rhythm for the entire piece. Guajeros are usually skilled improvisers, and will often improvise around the basic guajeo melody.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the most popular Latin music terms, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of the genre. Remember, the key to understanding any type of music is to listen closely and enjoy!
