Rumba Guaguanco is a traditional rhythm played at festivities in Cuba. The Guaguanco represented here is typically called the Havana-style Guaguanco. I have put a few of my favorite CD's up for your browsing pleasure.
In my last blog I showed a guaguanco for 2 drummers. Now I will show this rhythm for 1 drummer. It's very basic how this hooks up. It is important to build this up step by step so we'll start here.
Havana Style Rumba Guaguanco for 1 drummer
Clave 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + X · · X · · · X · · X · X · · ·
Drums - Low/High Drum, Tumbao/Segundo 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + · S B S T S T S T S T S R L R L R L R L R L R L ^ ^ ^ ^ v ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ v ^ (NOTE: written with the high drum in the center and the low drum to your right).
Key
T = Tone, Open B = Bass, Bass Tone S = Slap, Closed M = Muff, Muffled Tone · = Touch Stroke
X = Clave/Bell Strike
R = Right Hand Stroke, Primary/Strong Hand Stroke L = Left Hand Stroke, Weak Hand Stroke
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Rumba Guaguanco - Havana Style
Rumba Guaguanco is a traditional rhythm played at festivities in Cuba. The Guaguanco represented here is typically called the Havana-style Guaguanco.
This is a very basic 2 drum version that I learned from a very good friend and teacher. This variation is nice because it uses a simpler version of the Segundo. Over time I can show numerous variations on this rhythm - let me know if you're interested.
The drums featured in this rhythm are just the bottom two drums. This is usually played with a 3rd drum the quinto. The quinto is the drum that improvises (solos) the most within the rhythm. You can learn about Quinto from my friend Cliff's book - Rumba: Afro-Cuban Conga Drum Improvisation Book / 2 CD Set.
Havana Style Rumba Guaguanco
Clave 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + X · · X · · · X · · X · X · · ·
Low Drum / Tumbao 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + B B B T B · B T L R L R L R L R
Middle Drum / Segundo 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + · S B S S T S T S S R L R L L R L R L L
Key
T = Tone, Open B = Bass, Bass Tone S = Slap, Closed M = Muff, Muffled Tone · = Touch Stroke
X = Clave/Bell Strike
R = Right Hand Stroke, Primary/Strong Hand Stroke L = Left Hand Stroke, Weak Hand Stroke