The tres is a three-course chordophone of Cuban origin. The most widespread variety of the instrument is the original Cuban tres with six strings. Its sound has become a defining characteristic of the Cuban son and it is commonly played in a variety of Afro-Cuban genres. In the 1930s, the instrument was adapted into the Puerto Rican tres, which has nine strings and a body similar to that of the cuatro.
Cuban tres
Isaac Oviedo playing his tres, c. 1930.
Nengón guajeo written in cut-time.
An example of an ensemble playing kiribá.
Son cubano is a genre of music and dance that originated in the highlands of eastern Cuba during the late 19th century. It is a syncretic genre that blends elements of Spanish and African origin. Among its fundamental Hispanic components are the vocal style, lyrical metre and the primacy of the tres, derived from the Spanish guitar. On the other hand, its characteristic clave rhythm, call and response structure and percussion section are all rooted in traditions of Bantu origin.
A marímbula, the "bass" instrument used by changüí ensembles. Some groups used the more rudimentary jug known as botija or botijuela.
Sexteto Habanero 1920.
Sexteto Habanero 1925.
Sexteto Boloña 1926.