Son and Son Montuno are essentially the same musical style, with one key distinction: traditional Son typically doesn't feature two distinct sections, while Son Montuno includes both the main verse section and the montuno section where improvisation and call-and-response happen.
Like most modern music genres, there are many exceptions and variations, and sometimes there's no clear defining line between styles. However, fundamental rules and standard patterns do exist. If you learn these basic standard patterns that the Cuban tres plays in son and son montuno, you'll develop a solid foundation that allows you to mix styles confidently and create something uniquely your own.
The tres plays a primarily rhythmic role in son music, with syncopated patterns that interlock with the clave and other percussion instruments. Understanding how the tres part supports the melody—often playing intervals of thirds or sixths above the vocal line—is essential to authentic son playing.
Just remember: on the Cuban tres, like any instrument, make sure you know and understand the rules before you break them! That means immersing yourself in Cuban music, especially recordings that feature the Cuban tres prominently. Listen to masters like Arsenio Rodríguez, Trio Matamoros, and the various changüí groups from Guantánamo to internalize the authentic feel and phrasing that define this style.
