I would like to share this quick lesson pertaining to my Tejano Bass series of lessons that I try to continue since a few of you have expressed interest. Today I would like to talk about the Tejano version of a Cumbia, which is native to Colombia and some of the Caribbean countries. I will not try to explain the origins of this musical style but Im sure theres quite a bit of information out there on the internet if youre interested in knowing more about the history of this style.
One of the first and basic patterns that I was taught for accompanying a cumbia song is to outline the chord being used with a triad pattern. For example, If the chord is an A major Ill use A C# - E to accompany this chord. If the chord is a Bm Ill use the notes B D F# to accompany that chord. Pretty easy stuff! In other words, Major chords use the 1 3 5 pattern and minor chords use the 1 b3 5 pattern.
You can also use the 1 6 5 pattern, but only on the major chords. For example A major chord A F# - E. Another pattern you can use is 1 5 b7 pattern that I like to use with Dominant seventh chords and minor chords. An example of this pattern would be an A7 chord A E G.
Check out this classic chord progression and listen to the simple but effective bass line I constructed using the triad patterns discussed above. The chord progression is a I VIm IV V I, which Im sure most of you have heard in many types of musical styles.
To hear how much better this would sound with a real band playing check out Tejano Mixes (paste address on your tool bar if not linked). Every week they have a Tejano CD being promoted on their website. You might just hear a cumbia style song or other great Tejano, Chicano, Conjunto music on display.
