Every drummer seems to put their own twist into the rhythms.  Even the various "drum machines" play the many Latin Beats slightly different.  One characteristic that is common to all Latin Rhythms, is the use of extra percussion instruments, such as the Clavé, Cabasa, Shakers, Fish, Timbales, Congas, Bongos, Maracas etc.. 

        We will focus on the similarities, and hopefully help you develop a working concept of each style. 

    Rumba

        The second measure could also start the pattern it is just a matter of preference.  The Shakers or Maracas, also provide a hint to the Rumba rhythm. 
 

        Practice these two rhythms by tapping them until they are easy to execute.  Work the patterns at varying speeds.  On the second pattern, use the left hand to play the rhythms with the stems down, and the right hand for the rhythms with the stems up. 

        As with all "popular" rhythms, the key to being able to perform them, is in imitating the drums.  Using the pattern you learned from the Maracas and the Clavés, try the following: 
 

        Notice that the left hand is playing the Clavé part, while the right hand (as well as left) plays the Shaker part. 

        The Chord used in the Right Hand, is the Major Sixth (C6).  A very popular choice in Latin Music.  The Left Hand is arpeggiating the "C" Chord (C,E,G). 

        A variation of the above, is to use the "Fifth" of the chord as the second and third notes in the Left Hand for each measure. 
 

        Another possibility for the Left Hand would be to use the Root as the first note, the Fifth just above the Root as the second note, then drop an octave for the last note in each measure. 
 

        Using a  "chordal pivot" in the Right Hand, with the variations previously used in the Left Hand, would give you these results: 

                                                            Example #1
 

                                                            Example #2
 

        Using the Maraca eighth note pattern, and the syncopation of the Clavé, you could also use this pattern: 
 

        The following pattern is a little more complicated, but has a great "feel" to it, and is fun to play: 
 

        The same pattern with the bass variation in the Left Hand. 
 

        Rumba rhythms can be a lot of fun to play, using the drum ideas previously discussed gives you a good conceptual idea on how to play this rhythm. 

        Here are a few more drum variations that you can try. 

        Remember to first practice tapping them, using the Left Hand for stems down, and the Right Hand for stems up.  Then apply the chord patterns and bass notes used previously. 

                                                            Rhythm Pattern #1
 

                                                           Rhythm Pattern #2
 

                                                            Rhythm Pattern #3
 

                                                            Rhythm Pattern #4
 

        If you were in a Combo, you could use the patterns previously discussed quite successfully.  Typically you would have a "lead" instrument, or vocalist singing or playing the melody, allowing you to "comp" behind them using the patterns you have learned. 

        Latin Rhythms do not have to be exclusive to melodies that have been written with these rhythms in mind.  All types of melodies can be played over Latin Rhythms, giving variety to melodies of every style. 

        In "Solo Piano" playing, applying the Rumba rhythms can be a bit challenging.  The melody typically has priority, so the Latin rhythms might need to be modified slightly to accommodate the movement and rhythms of the melody. 

        If you can maintain the "Bass" Left Hand rhythm, and add as many of the Right Hand rhythms as possible, you should be able to create the illusion of a full Latin ensemble. 

        Using basic harmonization techniques, the added notes you insert beneath the melody will be used to establish your Latin feel.  Again, the melody has priority, so some compromising will be necessary. 

                                     "More" 
 

        Notice how I modified the Rumba rhythm patterns to fit with the following melody.  Like most popular musicians, I also took a little freedom with the melody. 

                         "More"                                                                                     music by  R. Ortolani & N. Oliviero 
 

        Experiment with various melodies over your Rumba Rhythm.  Remember that most melodies, regardless of original style, can be superimposed over Latin rhythms. 

        Latin rhythms are exciting, and enjoyable to play.  Try to come up with a few new patterns based on what you have learned.  Practice tapping them first, then transferring the rhythm to the piano using Chords in the Right Hand and single Bass notes in the Left. 

        In time, your Rumba patterns and rhythm will feel very natural, and bring a lot of variety to your performances. 

Practice