page_title: Guajeo
section_title: Ponchando
hierarchical_section_title: Guajeo / Ponchando
caption_attribution_description: English: ponchando piano part in cut-time
context_page_description: A guajeo is a typical Cuban ostinato melody, most often consisting of arpeggiated chords in syncopated patterns. Some musicians only use the term guajeo for ostinato patterns played specifically by a tres, piano, an instrument of the violin family, or saxophones. Piano guajeos are one of the most recognizable elements of modern-day salsa. Piano guajeos are also known as montunos in North America, or tumbaos in the contemporary Cuban dance music timba.
context_section_description: Ponchando is a term for a type of non-arpeggiated guajeo using block chords. The sequence of attack-points is emphasized, rather than a sequence of different pitches. As a form of accompaniment it can be played in a strictly repetitive fashion or as a varied motif akin to jazz comping. Clave is written in two measures.
  This ponchando pattern is familiar to many as Santana's "Oye Como Va". Moore states: "Hip fans will often flaunt their knowledge by pointing out that the song was originally recorded by Tito Puente in 1963, and before that by Arcaño y sus Maravillas as "Chanchullo" in 1957, but it goes all the way back to Cachao's "Rareza de Melitón" in 1942.
caption: Ponchando figure originally used in "Rareza de Melitón" (1942) by Arcano y Sus Maravillas (About this soundPlay (help·info)).
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