Tumbao

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In music of afro-cuban origin, tumbao refers to the basic rhythm played on the tumbadoras and the bass.

[edit] Drum Pattern

The basic tumbao pattern is played on the conga the drum is struck on every 8th-beat in the measure in the following sequence:

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . Count
H T S T H T O O Conga
L L R L L L R R Hand Used
 
Key:
  L: Left hand
  R: Right hand
  H: Heel of hand
  T: Tip of hand
  S: Slap
  O: Open Tone

There are many variations on the basic tumbao, including playing the tumba on the 3-side of the clave. For example:

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 2 . 2 . 3 . 4 . Count
X     X     X       X   X       Son Clave 
H T S     T O O H T S T H T O O Conga
      O O                       Tumba
L L R L L L R R L L R R R L R R Hand Used

[edit] Bass Pattern

The basic tumbao on the bass (Originally a marimbula, later a contrabass or electric bass) is best visualized in cut time to swing it correctly. It's notable in its avoidance of the down beat.

1 . 2 . 1 . 2 . 
   G  C    G  C
Key:
  G: The dominant (e.g. G in the key of C)
  C: The tonic    (e.g. C in the key of C)