In this Conga Chops Masterclass we’ll take an in depth look on how to develop our soloing language on timbal, with master timbalero Patricio “El Chino” Diaz! Hailing from Camagüey, Cuba, Chino Diaz is one of the most prolific improvisors of his generation, as well as having been a mentor to many of today’s top timbaleros. He was a disciplined pupil of the one and only Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito” for several years, and has developed his own unique approach to teaching and exploring the soloing language of this incredible instrument.

In the Interview portion of this Masterclass we’ll learn about Chino’s upbringing in Camagüey as well as about the years he spent living in Havana, studying under Changuito, before leaving Cuba to embark on his own musical journey. We’ll also discuss how Chino’s practice routine and developmental focus has evolved over the years. Chino’s approach to soloing is deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditions, while maintaining a modern perspective and incorporating his own unique language.

What we’ll cover in this Masterclass can of course also be applied to improvising on any instrument within the Afro-Cuban tradition, making it a must-watch for Timbaleros, Congueros and Bongoseros alike. We’ll get to dig deep into the creative process of an incredible soloist, as he breaks down his approach step-by-step, giving us key exercises, phrases and concepts that we can apply immediately to our timbal solos.

This Masterclass magnificently compliments our Conga Soloing 101 Course, where we introduce the building blocks of the Afro-Cuban percussive language. So if you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to spend some serious time studying the concepts and exercises in that course, so you can take full advantage of what Chino has so gracefully shared with us here!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to take a timbal solo, you’ve come to right place!

DOWNLOAD THE MASTERCLASS PDF TRANSCRIPTIONS