Vocals
Salsa vocals are a style of singing that is characterized by its rhythmic and energetic approach, often incorporating call-and-response patterns and improvisation.
Piano
Salsa piano is a style of piano playing that is an essential component of salsa music. It incorporates elements of jazz, Latin American music, and traditional percussion. It emphasizes syncopated rhythms and chord progressions, and often involves improvisation. Salsa piano adds a bright and lively sound to the overall salsa band sound.
Guitar or tres
A guitar or tres is a stringed musical instrument played by plucking the strings with one hand while fretting the notes with the other hand to produce sound. The guitar has six strings while the tres has three pairs of strings, and both can be used in various genres of music.
Trumpet
Trumpet is a brass musical instrument consisting of a cylindrical tube with a flared bell and three piston valves, played by blowing air through closed lips to produce a buzzing sound. It is commonly used in classical music, jazz, and various types of popular music. The trumpet is known for its bright, piercing sound and is often used to play melodies or solos.
Trombone
Trombone is a brass musical instrument consisting of a long, cylindrical tube with a flared bell and a sliding mechanism called a slide. It is played by blowing air through closed lips while moving the slide to change the length of the tube, producing different pitches. The trombone is used in orchestral and concert band music, jazz, and various types of popular music. Its rich, mellow sound is popular for both solo and ensemble playing.
Saxophone
The saxophone is a musical instrument from the woodwind family, typically made of brass. Its distinctive sound is created by a vibrating reed that is attached to a mouthpiece, which is blown into by the player. The saxophone is commonly used in various genres of music, including jazz, classical, and pop.
Double Bass
A double bass is a large stringed musical instrument that typically has four strings and is used in classical, jazz, and other genres of music. It is often used for its low, resonant sound, and requires the player to use various finger and bow techniques to produce different pitches and tones.
Congas
Congas are a type of drum used in Latin American music. They consist of a tall, narrow drumhead, usually made from animal skin, that is played with the hands. They come in different sizes and are often played in a set of two or more. Congas are an integral part of many styles of Latin music, including Salsa, Rumba, and Afro-Cuban jazz.
Bongos
Bongos are also a type of drum commonly used in Latin American music. They consist of two small drums attached together, usually made of wood or metal, and played with the hands. The larger drum, called the hembra, produces a deeper sound, while the smaller drum, called the macho, produces a higher-pitched sound. Like the congas, they are an important component of many Latin music styles and can be heard in salsa, son, and other genres.
Timbales
Timbales are a percussion instrument that consists of a set of two shallow, single-headed drums played with sticks. They are commonly used in Latin American music and are known for their high-pitched sound and elaborate patterns.
Claves
Claves are a pair of cylindrical wooden sticks used in Latin American music and dance, particularly in salsa, rumba, and Afro-Cuban music. They are usually made of hardwood, such as ebony, and produce a distinct, sharp percussive sound when struck together. Claves are an essential component of the rhythm section in Latin American music, and are played by both professional musicians and amateurs alike in performances, gatherings, and celebrations around the world.
Cowbell
Cowbell refers to a percussion instrument used in various genres of music including Latin, rock, and jazz. It consists of a small metal bell with a handle, which is struck with a drumstick or mallet to produce a metallic sound. It is often used to create a rhythmic pattern or accentuate certain beats in a musical composition.
Maracas
Maracas are a musical instrument consisting of a pair of hollowed-out gourds or wooden shells filled with beans, seeds or beads, and connected by a handle. When shaken, the contents make a rattling sound that provides accompaniment to music. Maracas are commonly used in Latin American music and also feature in various genres of music globally.
Guiro
The guiro is a percussion instrument that is used in Latin American and Caribbean music. It is typically made of wood, gourd, or metal and has a ridged surface that is scraped with a stick or a scraper to produce a rhythmic sound. The sound produced by the guiro can range from a soft and subtle rasp to a loud and clattering effect. It is often used in salsa, merengue, cumbia, and other types of Latin music to provide a steady beat and add texture to the rhythm section. The guiro is played by holding it in one hand and scraping it with the other while keeping time with the music.