Tumbao

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

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 . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . Count
X     X     X       X   X       Son Clave
X     X       X     X   X       Rumba Clave 
H T S     T O O H T S T H T O O Conga
      O O                       Tumba
L L R R R L R R L L R L L L R R Hand Used
 
or
 
1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . Count
X     X     X       X   X       Son Clave
X     X       X     X   X       Rumba Clave 
H T S   H T O O H T S   H T O O Conga
      O               0         Tumba
L L R R L L R R L L R R L L R R Hand Used

Bass Pattern

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

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

External links

• http://www.petelockett.com/pete%20new%20pages/Conga%20lessons.html
• http://www.drumdojo.com/conga5_tumbao.htm