CongaChops Masterclass Series
GEORGE DELGADO MASTERCLASS
Three-drum tumbaos from the conguero on all three of Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s Grammy-winning albums
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A CongaChops Masterclass dedicated to one of the most essential and undertaught skills in conga playing: fluid, musical tumbaos on three drums.
Few congueros bring the kind of deep, reliable pocket that earned George Delgado his nickname: Mr. Swing. An original member of salsa dura powerhouse Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and on all three of its Grammy-winning albums, George’s credits include Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, and Manny Oquendo y Conjunto Libre, the band that “put me on the map.” In this masterclass, he takes you through his step-by-step approach to three-drum tumbaos, and how you can develop the consistency, pocket, and swing to groove confidently in any setting.
More from inside the Masterclass…
On demand · In English, with English subtitles · Over 100 minutes · Three congas
George on growing up in the Bronx, where his father showed him his first tumbao
George grooving on three congas
Who this Masterclass is for
All levels. We recommend finishing Congas 101 and Conga Fundamentals first, plus our Conga Quick-Tip Lessons.
Congueros who want a framework for expanding their tumbaos to three drums
Players who want to learn how to bring variations and creativity into their grooves while serving the music
What you’ll learn
- How to create three-drum tumbaos, and when to use them
- Ideas for creating tumbaos that serve different sections, and when and how to embellish them
- Tuning for three drums in salsa vs. jazz, including ideas for different setups
- How George approaches faster tempos by leaving space and using ghost notes, his “ghost slap” and his “switch slap”
- Old-school details: Milton Cardona’s baqueteo before the mambo, José Grajales’ open slaps, and much more
What’s Included
- Over 100 minutes of exclusive video content
- The full interview: from Conjunto Libre and Tito Puente to Spanish Harlem Orchestra
- George’s step-by-step lesson on three-drum tumbaos
- Individual practice videos for each tumbao pattern
- 6 bonus videos of George grooving and soloing
- Two playlists: George’s favorite influential records and George on percussion
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What members are saying
“This is the best masterclass yet. The examples of three-drum tumbaos are super helpful, and I’ve been playing congas for twenty-five years.”
“I’m super impressed with how accurate all of the rhythms and exercises are explained and executed, especially when pertaining to the clave.”
“I especially enjoyed the tracks where he’s adding his solo licks while showing his mastery with three drums. I believe this is one of my favorite Masterclasses as well.”
Your trial also unlocks
Learn three-drum tumbaos from “Mr. Swing,” the SHO’s long-standing conguero.
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