Guajira & Guaracha Grooves
In this lesson we continue our study of other popular Cuban grooves. We start with Guajira which is a slow-tempo form of Tumbao, and then study Guaracha which is a faster style of groove with a highly syncopated bass line.
The Guajira Groove & Style
The Guajira style is known for its rhythmic complexity and distinctive rhythm. Guajira is usually based on the syncopated son and rumba clave patterns that we covered in the first lesson of this course. The rhythmic pulse from the clave patterns create the backbone of the Guajira style.
Guajira grooves usually have an emphasis on minor harmonies such as the example covered in this lesson. However, there are also Guajira compositions in major keys such as the famous Cuban song “Guantanamera”.
How To Play Guajira
We start by playing the Guajira montuno pattern in both hands. We then isolate the bass line in our left hand. Finally we play the bass line in our left hand whilst playing the montuno pattern in our right hand to create a solo piano Guajira groove.
The Guaracha Groove & Style
Guarachas is a faster style of Cuban music than Guajira. The arpeggio and chordal exercises that we explored in the montuno module will come very handy when playing in the Guaracha style.
The bass pattern of the Guaracha groove is similar to the highly syncopated bass pattern of the Son montuno. The Guaracha right hand is a busy style of montuno playing which creates a constant interplay against the rhythmic structure of the bass line.
How To Play Guarachas
We start by isolating the Guaracha bass line against the tempo in our right hand and then add an extra layer of complexity by tapping the cascara pattern in our right hand.
We explore the role of the piano in Guaracha when a bass player is present and finally we apply the melodic piano part over our left hand bass line to create a solo piano Guaracha groove.
Lesson Downloads
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Guajira Cuban Grooves File Type: pdf -
Guaracha Cuban Groove File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
In this lesson we explore the most common montuno patterns that you hear in Salsa and early Cuban music from the early 1940s.
In this lesson we explore some common exercises that are useful for students who have never played Cuban piano styles or montunos.
In this lesson we explore two of the most important and foundational elements of Cuban music which are the clave and the cascara.
Practice Tips
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Start by isolating the Guajira montuno pattern in both hands whilst tapping the tempo with your foot.
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Next isolate the bass pattern whilst tapping the tempo to internalise the rhythmic placement of the bass line. Once comfortable, combine the right hand montuno pattern with the left hand bass line.
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Be patient when learning the Guaracha bass line which is highly syncopated.
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For an extra challenge tap the cascara rhythm in your right hand whilst playing the Guaracha bass line in your left hand.
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First learn the Guaracha groove in the key of F major as it's an easy key to visualise.
