Characteristics
- Basslines have a strong relationship to the ‘clave’ – the fundamental rhythm of a tune. There are different claves that underscore the tunes.
- Groove-oriented
- Roots and 5ths are often enough.
- The bassist does not always play the root on the first beat or the point of chord change – the 5th is often used instead.
- Use of tumbao, which is a repeated bass figure helping to create the groove
- Chord changes are usually anticipated on the fourth beat of the preceding bar.
