Guías
In timba, a guía (literally “guide”) is the lead vocal call improvised or varied by the singer during the montuno / coro section of the song.
- Definition: Lead vocal calls improvised or varied by the singer.
- Context: Performed during the montuno / coro section.
- Structure:
- Coro = chorus, sung by backing vocalists in harmony.
- Guía = short, improvised vocal lines by the lead singer.
- Function:
- Interact with the coro (call-and-response).
- Drive intensity and energy.
- Engage with bloques and rhythm section.
- Add storytelling, humor, or playful “battles” with the coro.
Rhythmic breaks or unison hits played by the whole band, often interrupting the flow to create surprise and tension. These are choreographed and add drama, excitement, and syncopation.
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Interruptive role: The bloque is a sudden, tightly coordinated rhythmic break. It disrupts the ongoing groove (tumbao, coro, or guías).
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Cue for change: Right after the bloque, the band often launches into a new “gear” (a new rhythmic feel, coro, or piano tumbao). In this sense, the bloque
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- Coro = the Choir, sings a repeating phrase.
- Pregón = the lead singer sings varying or improvised lines
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