LATIN GUITAR ~ ITS HISTORY & HEROS

Latin music encompasses hundreds of styles that have evolved (primarily over the last 200 years) in the Caribbean, Central and South America. But when it comes to the guitar, styles that are most closely associated with the instrument often originated in Brazil. Among these is Samba, a percussion-based music, which was eventually combined with the complex harmonies of jazz to create Bossa Nova. Guitarists like Baden Powell, Luiz Bonfá, Charlie Byrd, and Gilberto Gil helped spread the Bossa Nova craze during the '50s and '60s.

Caribbean culture has played a major role in the evolution of Latin music. Cuba is the birthplace of Mambo, a fast-paced style, which was used as a foundation for Cha-Cha-Cha. The Salsa, which also has Cuban roots, first appeared in New York dance clubs during the '70s and was widely used more recently by Latin Rock legend, Carlos Santana. The Rumba is another Cuban style, which was popularized by musicians like Jesse Cook, Ottmar Liebert and the Gipsy Kings.

The Dominican Republic is the native land of Merengue and Bachata. The latter is one of the most popular Latin music genres today. The islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe are the birthplace of Beguine, which is similar to a slow Rumba but with a more Caribbean flavour. Reggaetón blends Jamaican Reggae with Trinidadian Soca, Puerto Rican Bomba and American Hip Hop.

Interested?  Checkout interactive online lessons ...