Cuban Tres Examples – Son Montuno

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By Jon Griffin

Here are some more examples of patterns and parts the Cuban tres would play.

Son & Son Montuno

Son and Son Montuno are basically the same thing. The main difference is that the Son does not have two distinct sections.

Like most modern music, there are many exceptions and sometimes there is no clear defining style. There are still rules and standard patterns though. If you learn these basic standard patterns that the Cuban tres plays, you will be able to mix up the styles and create something unique.

Just remember, on the Cuban tres, like any instrument, make sure you know and understand the rules before you break them! That means listen to a lot of Cuban music, especially music that features the Cuban tres.

Music Notation

Introductions

This is a typical example of an introduction to a son in a major key (G major). This is very often used as the vamp leading into the song. The percussion and bass player will instinctivly know when to come in, usually the fourth or fifth bar.Here is what that pattern sounds like so you can get a feel of how the Cuban tres plays percussively as well as harmonically.

Audio Example

Revision History

April 20, 2025 Updated from original

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