| The difference between a regular, acoustic guitar and | | | | guitar. Oftentimes, a piano or keyboard will join in the |
| a Latin guitar is not all that widespread. An acoustic | | | | ensemble, which is how more modern contemporary |
| guitar is an evolution of the Latin guitar in many ways. | | | | Latin music is enjoyed. The Latin guitar, keeping to its |
| When someone says they want to learn to play the | | | | namesake, uses what is called a clave, in order that |
| Latin guitar, what they actually mean is they want to | | | | the music produced falls within certain parameters. The |
| learn to play an original guitar from the Romantic era, | | | | clave is put together using a 3-2 progression and |
| or the Latin area of the world - namely Europe. The | | | | sometimes composed using other patterns. In full, a |
| Middle East and parts of Africa have also used a | | | | clave is a musical pattern held to the rhythm of two |
| guitar for centuries and it is hard to decipher where the | | | | sticks that sort of lead the group as a composer might |
| modern guitar takes most of its form. However, the | | | | lead a symphony. While some improvisation is allowed, |
| Latin guitar is still played in Central and South America. | | | | the group generally follows the beat of the clave |
| It is also still played in Spain, and used for such types | | | | coordinator. |
| of music as Flamenco. | | | | When playing the Latin guitar, it is important that one |
| The modern Latin guitar was enhanced and fully | | | | understands how Latin music is held together, made up |
| developed in Latin American countries, namely in | | | | of a beginning, middle, and end, with a generally long |
| Havana Cuba, where modern Latin guitar rhythms are | | | | introduction. In fact, many northern American listeners |
| rooted. Latin guitar often inspires dance and has been | | | | would say that the introduction is overly prolonged. But, |
| said to inspire silent meditation on an almost religious | | | | for Latin music lovers, the introduction gives the listener |
| level. The reason, however, that many people want to | | | | a chance to become involved -letting the power of the |
| learn to play the Latin guitar today is because the | | | | music seep in and take over. The middle of the song is |
| genre of music has something that other types of | | | | followed by a band that plays various chord |
| music cannot come close to matching - rhythm. The | | | | progressions that intensify as the playing continues. |
| player has to be able to concentrate and play | | | | The piece is then ended by playing something similar to |
| numerous rhythms at once and cross with other | | | | the introduction, only shorter, and something that leads |
| instruments that also add their own musical harmony. | | | | to a feeling of closure. All of these variables work |
| In the traditional, Cuban sense, other rhythmic | | | | together to create, hold, play, and end a piece of Latin |
| instruments, such as the congas, timbales, and other | | | | music, even when played on the guitar. |
| stringed instruments, always accompany the Latin | | | | |