Bongo Rhythms for Salsa - Pattern Variations Lesson

In this video, I share some martillo variations and rhythms for salsa. It includes some examples from great bongoceros such as Johnny Rodriguez and Carlos Caro.

00:00 Introduction to Salsa Bongo Lesson
00:56 My Story Playing Bongo in Salsa Bands
01:23 Basics About Bongo Rhythms for Salsa Music
01:38 Example 1 of Salsa Bongo Accent Pattern Variations
02:32 Example 2 Johnny Rodriguez Bongo Martillo Variation
03:45 Example 3 Salsa Bongo Accent Pattern Variations
04:32 Example 4 Carlos Caro Bongo Martillo Variation

// Lesson PDFs

// My Gear

// Related Videos
"Basic Bongo Sounds and Patterns Lesson"

"How to Play Bongo - Martillo, Salsa, and Funk"

// Related Articles
"How to Play Bongos – Martillo, Salsa, and Other Grooves"

// Conga Drumming Guide

// Demo Song (play-along tracks)
"Temor Maldicion" by Hugo Correia via Epidemic Sound
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// Downloads (sheet music, lessons, other resources)

Carlos Caro

Johnny Rodriguez

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[DaverouxToo]

love that Johnny Rodriguez variation, all those slightly ghosted heel/toe tones etc add so much to the rhythm so thanks for that, spent 2 evenings trying to get it and got the hang of it now :)

[ItsRyan]

I liked your bongo tuning in this one and borrowed it while following along. I love learning these new patterns as well.
Thanks for the video.

[armandoblackhill]

Marvalous.
Wonderful like when middle earth wes about to loose, Gandalph comes riding over the hill with reinforcements thank YOU! GANDOLPH.

[JLBREMER]

Was always wondering how they get the high pitched tone that I hear in a lot of Latin records. I have some congos on order can’t wait to record with them this week.

[ErnestoComposer]

Hey, I went to the same college and studied percussion! Go Mean Green!

[inkeye]

Would it be better to start out on bongos or congas? Do the skills transfer over? I'm thinking about picking up both eventually but I'm not sure where to start. :)

[checox]

As a 🇵🇷 we claim him, he, 's ours 🪘🪘

[czarinc.]

So basically there are no canon patterns you just come up with whatever depending on the song?