Instruments

The Guayo: A Unique Afro-Cuban Instrument with Deep Roots

September 19, 2024- By Jon Griffin

The guayo, a humble yet vital percussion instrument in Cuban music, has a rich history that intertwines with Afro-Cuban traditions. Classified as a “vascular scraper idiophone,” the guayo produces sound...
El Tres Cubano Construction

October 29, 2022- By Jon Griffin

What is a Tres Cubano? The typical tres cubano is a mango shaped instrument of the guitar family which evolved in Cuba. Commonly it is called “el tres”, but is...
The Quijada: Afro-Cuban Rhythms Rooted in Traditions

October 29, 2022- By Jon Griffin

The quijada, or jawbone, is an iconic Afro-Cuban percussion instrument with a unique sound and an ancient history. Traditionally made from the lower jawbone of a horse, mule, or donkey,...
Claves The Composers Best Friend Cuban Music

October 29, 2022- By Jon Griffin

The claves are a musical instrument of Cuban origin and are classified as a member of percussion family. The instrument is comprised of two separate wooden sticks that are cylindrical...
The Cuban Laud (Lute): A Unique Musical Heritage

October 29, 2022- By Jon Griffin

The Cuban lute, or "laúd cubano," is a fascinating instrument that has played a significant role in shaping Cuba's rich musical landscape. Derived from the Spanish lute, this instrument found...
Marimbula

October 28, 2022- By Jon Griffin

The Marimbula belongs to sansa family of that originated from the Bantu cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. The sansa instruments create sound by plucking or striking the metal fingers. Sansas also...
La Campana – Cowbell

December 20, 2020- By Jon Griffin

There are many people who don’t understand the importance of the campana (cowbell) in Cuban music. Even though the bongo player usually plays the parts, if there is no bongo...
Bongos the Most Cuban Instrument

March 10, 2012- By Jon Griffin

This Cuban musical instrument was born in the context of the complex musical styles that pertain to the Son, in the mountainous regions of the eastern extreme of the country....
Cuban Tres – Tres Cubano 3 String Cuban Guitar

March 9, 2012- By Jon Griffin

The first thing to understand about the Cuban tres is that it is a rhythm instrument. Even though it looks like a guitar, the actual playing of it is rhythmic...
Bata Drums Sacred Drums Cuba

March 9, 2012- By Jon Griffin

The batá drums are the sacred instruments of Cuban Santería. They are made up of three hourglass-shaped drums of different sizes that perform specific musical functions. Their main religious function...
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