Three to Tango: Basic Music Theory for Tango Dancers

Tango, unlike salsa, mambo, rumba, samba, candombe and other Latin dances, does not include drums. The beat is less audible and less dominant. However, the beat does exist and is shared by all the tango instruments. The double bass (or upright bass) is the primary carrier of the beat, usually doubled by the pianist s left hand. Violins, bandoneons, and the piano s upper register alternate between the beat and the melody. As tango music developed, the beat became less steady and more changeable. Suspensions, accelerations, and speed changes within a song are the primary ingredients for drama so essential to tango. Melody that carries the lyrics became the primary source of inspiration both for listeners and dancers. While in samba, candombe, milonga and even vals you dance the unchangeable rhythm, in tango you have an opportunity to dance the melody or more accurately, dance the phrase . Of course, there are types of tango where the beat is obvious and easy to hear (Osvaldo Pugliese, for example). Tango is known for its rhythmical complexity and diversity, off beat sections, syncopations and rubatos. Sound familiar? No? Don t worry. This Basic Music Theory for Argentine Tango Dancers guidebook will explain it all and more. You will not only learn to recognize certain musical behaviors but also name them correctly. "This accessible text demystifies all of the central musical concepts, providing an easy-to-use guide for those looking to deepen their understanding and interpretation of tango" - Daniela Pucci