Welcome, friends of bass playing! Today we will take you to the exciting world of Latin grooves, where we will dedicate ourselves to Samba, Baiao, Partido Alto, Reverse Partido Alto, and Tumbao. So buckle up, we’re entering the territory of rhythmic passion and fiery melodies.
Samba – the dance of the bass
Samba, a traditional music form from Brazil, is characterized by complex rhythmic structures. This poses an exciting challenge for bass players, as one must be able to capture and internalize this unique rhythm.
Samba has its roots in African influences on Brazilian culture and is often referred to as its national musical genre. With a 2/4 time signature, samba is characterized by its standout ‘clave’ rhythm. In this rhythm, the emphasis is on the offbeats, which gives the samba its dynamic and dance-like flair. It is the pulsating rhythm that makes the samba so peppy and lively.
Guide to the samba groove on the bass in 4 steps:
1. learn the concept of the “clave” – this is a rhythmic figure that is considered the heart of the samba. It consists of two phases: the “3-side” and the “2-side”.
Practice the samba groove by playing the “clave” with the right hand (for right-handers) on the bass. Use the 3-sided rhythm for this: a fast double beat followed by a single beat.
With the left hand, play the 2-sided rhythm: a single beat followed by a longer rest.
4. try to play this rhythm fluidly and organically – it should seem like a dance of your fingers on the bass.
Baiao – a journey to northeast Brazil
Baiao is a rhythm from northeastern Brazil and is based mainly on two rhythmic cells played in alternation.
Baiao originated in the music of the rural working class and peasants of northeastern Brazil. Over time, it found its way into more popular forms of music and became more refined and developed. Baiao is a complex rhythmic structure composed of two distinct cells. The resulting patterns are often syncopated and the rhythms can be quite complex. The melody is usually carried by the singing voice, with the bass playing a leading role in the rhythmic design.
Instructions for the Baiao groove on the bass in 3 steps:
1. start first with the first rhythmic cell. This usually consists of three notes placed on the quarter beats “one” and “two”.
2. practice the first cell until you are confident with it. Then add the second cell, which also normally consists of three notes, but is placed on beats “three” and “four.”
Now try to play both cells evenly and fluently, switching back and forth between them.
Partido Alto – Origins in Samba
Partido Alto is another samba variation with a characteristic rhythmic structure.
Partido Alto is a variant of samba and takes its origins in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The rhythm is characterized by alternating emphasis on beat parts and offbeats, which creates a complex rhythmic structure. The groove has its roots in Afro-Brazilian music and is strongly influenced by percussion elements. Melodically, it is mostly determined by the vocals and the playing of the seven-string guitar, while the bass provides the rhythmic basis and the harmonic structure.
Instructions for Partido Alto on the bass in 3 steps:
1. the basis for this groove is a 2-beat rhythm that spans four beats.
2. split the rhythm on the bass so that the first beat is emphasized, while beats two and four are played more lightly and percussively.
3. for practice, play the rhythm slowly and then build up the tempo until you can play it confidently and without mistakes.
Reverse Partido Alto
In Reverse Partido Alto, as the name suggests, the stressed and unstressed structure of Partido Alto is reversed.
The Reverse Partido Alto rhythm, sometimes referred to as the “Inverted Partido Alto,” is a variation of the traditional Partido Alto rhythm in which the stresses are reversed. Instead of the unstressed notes, the emphasis here is on the stressed notes, which creates a rhythmic tension. These inversions can be an effective tool for improvisation and solo playing, as they add a unique and innovative timbre.
Instructions for Reverse Partido Alto on bass in 3 steps:
1. start with the same rhythm as in Partido Alto, but play the beats that were previously stressed now lightly and the beats that were previously unstressed now stressed.
2. skillfully implement the rhythm on your bass by developing a sense of timing and placement of the accents.
3. practice this groove until it is available to you like a second instrument.
Tumbao – Cuban groove in a nutshell
Tumbao is a fundamental rhythm in Cuban son – steady, understated, yet an important part of the overall rhythm.
Tumbao, an important rhythm in Cuban Son music, is characterized by its special percussion instruments, such as the congas and bass. It has a steady, almost hypnotic rhythmic quality and is often referred to as the engine of the music. The mixture of African and Spanish influences gives it a special texture and a rich melodic and harmonic spectrum. The bass line is especially central, providing the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the ensemble.
How to play the tumbao groove on the bass in 3 steps:
1. learn the basic rhythm, which consists of four eighth notes.
2. play these four notes on beats “two” and “four”, but focus on the second and fourth notes.
Practice the rhythm until you find it easier – it is, after all, a central aspect of Cuban son.