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The instruments of a salsa band

5.The bass

The bass joins the rhythm side with low notes. Its pattern is called the tumbao, and it famously skips beat 1.

  • An upright double bass standing against a wall

    Bass (tumbao)

    An upright or electric bass. The tumbao lands on the “&” of 2 and on beat 4, leaving beat 1 empty.
ListenDescarga CubanaCachao · 1957From Cachao's famous 1957 jam sessions. Cachao was a bassist, and his playing shaped how Cuban bass lines like the tumbao are played.