“Armando’s Rhumba,” a vibrant and iconic piece by the legendary Chick Corea, is a must-learn for any guitarist venturing into Latin jazz. This lesson, inspired by the Latin Real Book version in C minor, provides a detailed chord study with guitar tabs to help you master this tune. Whether you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary or dive into the world of Latin rhythms on guitar, this guide will break down the essential components of “Armando’s Rhumba” into digestible parts.
This lesson focuses on providing a clear and accessible pathway to learning the chord progression of “Armando’s Rhumba” on guitar. We will explore the harmonic structure of the song through its four main sections (A, B, C, and D), providing you with the chord shapes and finger positions necessary to play along. You’ll encounter a rich palette of seventh chords, including minor 7ths, major 7ths, diminished 7ths, and dominant 7ths, along with basic triads and altered dominant chords. This exploration will not only enable you to play “Armando’s Rhumba” but also enhance your understanding of jazz harmony and chord voicings applicable to a wide range of musical styles.
Breaking Down Armando’s Rhumba: Structure and Chords
“Armando’s Rhumba” is structured into four distinct sections, each with its own unique chord progression and character. Understanding this structure is key to learning and performing the piece effectively. We will dissect each part individually, providing the chord charts and tabs for easy learning.
Part A: Foundation of the Rhumba
The A section lays the harmonic groundwork for “Armando’s Rhumba.” This eight-bar section features a progression built upon five core chords: Cm, Cm7, D7, G7b13, and G7b13/F. These chords create a compelling harmonic movement that is characteristic of Latin jazz. The rhythm suggested here is designed to be fingerstyle-friendly and intentionally simplified, giving you room to inject your own rhythmic feel and groove as you become more comfortable with the progression.
Part B: Expanding the Harmonic Landscape
Part B ventures into a more extended harmonic territory, spanning twelve bars and incorporating eleven distinct chords. This section introduces chords such as C7, Fm, D7/F#, Gm, Abdim7, Adim7, Eb/Bb (over two bars), Bb7sus(b9), E7#9, Eb, and Gaug. This richer harmonic palette creates a sense of development and contrast within the tune. Notably, the presence of a repeat bar at the end of Part B directs you back to the beginning of Part A, creating a cyclical structure common in many musical forms.
Parts C and D: Soloing and Melodic Connection
Parts C and D transition into what is essentially the solo section of “Armando’s Rhumba.” The approach here is to think chordally but with a melodic sensibility, much like how a bass player or pianist might outline the harmony. Part C, an eight-bar section, revisits the harmonic landscape of Part A, but with a subtle twist, replacing G7b13 with Gaug. Part D mirrors the chord progression of Part B but introduces variations in voicings and chord positions, offering a fresh take on familiar harmonic territory. In these sections, the emphasis shifts towards melodic interpretation and improvisation over the established chord framework. Experiment with creating your own melodic lines and rhythmic patterns to truly make these sections your own.
By working through each part of “Armando’s Rhumba” as presented in this lesson, you’ll gradually build your proficiency in playing this captivating Latin jazz piece on guitar. Remember to practice each section slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes and rhythmic accuracy. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo and explore your own rhythmic and melodic interpretations. Enjoy the journey of learning this fantastic tune and enriching your guitar playing!
