Latin: Style

The Musical Characteristics of Latin

The Latin genre often makes use of major and minor tonalities, with modal influences. Some genres of Latin rely on complex, syncopated rhythms, allowing for repetitive, simple chords, whilst other genres draw more inspiration from jazz with the use of 7th, 9th and 13th chords, aka extensions. Harmonic and melodic minor scales are common, with these scales sounding more 'exotic' to western listeners. Riffs in the Latin genre often draw from syncopated rhythms,  with rhythmic piano phrases or percussive guitar parts. The son clave rhythm is very common in a lot of Latin genres, being a 2 bar syncopated rhythm that follows either a 3-2 or 2-3 pattern. Latin melodies are know for their rhythmic passion, with a blend of syncopated, complex rhythms and passionate lyrics. Latin instruments are commonly used, such as bongos, clave, timbales, etc, whilst more acoustic instruments, such as piano and acoustic guitar are also common. Polyrhythms are common within the Latin genre, which is many different melodies/rhythms being played simultaneously. Latin lyrics are especially passionate, with common themes including love, dance and cultural pride. Percussionists, especially on instruments like bongos, use a range of open, muted and sharp tones to create a diverse range of sound for complex rhythmic patterns. Improvised elements are usually influenced by jazz, as well as Afro-Cuban rhythms. 

Notation of Important Riffs, Melodies and Rhythms

Below is my notation for the two types of son clave rhythms, which are a form of syncopated rhythm used throughout the Latin genre. The first is the 3:2, which has a cluster of 3 notes then 2 notes, then the bottom is the 2:3, which has the opposite.

A tutorial video on son clave rhythms:

Son Clave 3-2 & 2-3 | watch & learn

Three Subgenres of Latin and their Similarities/Differences

Three subgenres of Latin are bossa nova, reggaeton and salsa. Bossa nova is a Brazilian style, blending samba with jazz to create a relaxed, intimate sound. Rich, complex chords are common, such as 7ths and 9ths, and the acoustic guitar is the main instrument used in the genre. Reggaeton is more high energy, blending Latin and Caribbean influences along with hip hop, often being electronically produced. Salsa is features very fast tempos, with complex percussion as well as brass sections being common. All three of these genres originate from traditional Latin music, with influences of Afro-Caribbean music too, but all three feature differences in tempo as well as variation in instrumentation. 

My Opinions on the Latin Subgenres

I love bossa nova a lot, as it is very relaxing, and can set the mood for me to be productive a lot of the time. I do also like other genres of Latin, especially fusions with pop or rock, as a lot of my favourite songs have elements of the Latin genre within them. 

Examples of Famous Musicians from Latin Subgenres

Joao Gilberto is often said to have created the foundational sound of bossa nova, combining samba with jazz. He combined hushed, intimate vocals with syncopated, finger-picked guitar rhythms to pioneer the relaxed sound of the genre. Daddy Yankee is often credited as the artist who brought reggaeton to the eyes of the world, transforming it from a local style to a global phenomena. Celia Cruz is known as the undisputed 'Queen of Salsa'. She broke barriers, becoming a sensation in the male-dominated genre, bridging traditional and modern salsa elements to spread salsa globally. 

Girl from Ipanema by Joao Gilberto, pioneer of bossa nova:

João Gilberto - Garota de Ipanema

Gasolina by Daddy Yankee, who popularised reggaeton:

Daddy Yankee - Gasolina, Original (Official Video) [4K Remastered]

How did Latin Evolve?

Latin music formed through a mix of indigenous, African and European styles during the colonisation of the Americas. Indigenous cultures used a range of percussive instruments and rhythms, which blended with western elements of guitars, violins and other string instruments to start off the Latin genre we know today. In the modern day, some genres, like reggaeton, have also grown to include more modern influences, like hip hop and rap genres, as well as electronic production. 

What does Latin have in Common with Other Styles

Latin shares a lot of elements with African and Caribbean styles, especially reggae, as they feature a lot of the same instrumentation. Some genres of Latin have also evolved alongside other genres, such as bossa nova being influenced by jazz, and reggaeton being hip hop based.