A guajeo (Anglicized pronunciation: wa-hey-yo) is a typical Cubanostinatomelody, most often consisting of arpeggiatedchords 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.
Playing guajeos on guitar and tres in Cuban son music (1925)
