Son-montuno
A more developed style (Arsenio Rodríguez in the 1940s), emphasizing call-and-response, montuno sections, and heavier rhythm — this is the direct ancestor of salsa.
Instruments:
- Tres (often electric or more percussive style)
- Piano (replacing or joining guitar for harmony and “tumbaos”)
- Double Bass
- Bongó
- Congas (a standard addition now)
- Claves
- Maracas & Güiro
- Multiple Trumpets (or full brass section)
👉 Larger conjuntos (bigger ensembles), strong rhythm section.
This section is characterized by a more open and interactive part of the song, where there is a dialogue between the vocals and the instrumentalists, leading to a more improvised feel. The montuno is typically built on repetitive piano and bass patterns and may include call-and-response singing.
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The güiro is central to danzón, cha-cha-chá, son, and salsa, and is a standard feature of charanga orchestras that popularized Cuban dance music in the 20th century.
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