CongaChops Masterclass Series
CHINO DÍAZ MASTERCLASS
How to build your own soloing language on timbales, with a disciple of Changuito
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A CongaChops Masterclass dedicated to one of the most rewarding and least taught skills in Latin percussion: developing your own soloing language on timbales.
Hailing from Camagüey, Cuba, and a disciplined student of the legendary Changuito, Chino built an approach steeped in Afro-Cuban tradition while remaining entirely his own. In this masterclass, he breaks down his method step by step, from the first figures in clave to full phrases, with exercises and concepts you can carry over to any instrument in the Afro-Cuban tradition, and gives you the tools to start building a soloing language that is genuinely yours.
More from inside the Masterclass…
On demand · In Spanish, with English and Spanish subtitles · 100+ min · Timbales
Chino on his first lessons with Changuito: months on a practice pad before he touched a timbal
Chino on building a solo by adding new “words,” one bar at a time
Who this Masterclass is for
All levels. We recommend finishing Timbales 101, Timbale Fundamentals and Conga Soloing 101 first.
Timbaleros who know some grooves but don’t yet feel at home improvising
Players on any Afro-Cuban instrument who want to build a soloing vocabulary in clave
What you’ll learn
- How to build a soloing vocabulary from the simplest figures, placed in clave
- His sung syllable system: “pa, pe, po” and “ta, te, to” give you the sound and the sticking at once
- Why “triplets never make us look bad,” and the four-against-six feel where “the grease is”
- A signature Changuito phrase he learned from the master himself, and how to make it your own
What’s Included
- Over 100 minutes of exclusive video content
- The full interview: Camagüey, his years in Havana with Changuito, and how he practices
- Step-by-step soloing lessons, from basic figures to full phrases and the études Changuito taught him
- The masterclass PDF transcriptions
- 4 timbal solo videos
- A playlist of Chino’s favorite influential records
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What members are saying
“I’m super impressed with how accurate all of the rhythms and exercises are explained and executed, especially when pertaining to the clave.”
“Love these master classes. Great to hear from these superstars in the percussion world with so much experience.”
“…the clearest, most practical, and most enjoyable way to review and acquire new knowledge on this endless journey of learning and passion for the drum.”
Your trial also unlocks
Learn to solo on timbales from one of the most prolific improvisers of his generation.
Plus the entire CongaChops library with your 7-day free trial.
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