COMMON MUSICAL TERMS
Charanga
A specific style of instrumentation, consisting of rhythm section (bass, timbales and guiro), strings (two to four violins or violins and cello) and one flute. The piano and conga drums were added in the 1940s.
Descarga
The literal Spanish translation of Descarga is "unloading". In Latin music it means a jam session, as well as an improvised tune.
Montuno
The repeated, percussive line played by the piano in an ensemble. This also refers to the section of the music, which features in the instrumental solos
Tumbao
The repeated pattern of the conga drums is called tumbao, and with a few exceptions, is the standard pattern used for most rhythmic styles in salsa. The tumbao is an eight note, one measure pattern.
