How To Play a Piano Montuno over any chord

This video is part of a series of practical keyboard tutorials for those interested in a career as a gigging/recording musician. In the series on reading chord charts, we talk about playing in a number of fun and popular styles, the differences between them, and what's appropriate to play in various situations that might come up.
In this video, we look at how to put together a basic Piano Montuno pattern for playing Salsa music, and a few common rhythmic and harmonic variations on the pattern.

[@steezyyyp9401]

Bro when u switched it to a minor key, I had to get up and dance lmao that shit had flavor bruh lmao

[@Alex-ns6hj]

This comment made me smile haha

[@weha9009]

This is absolutely unbelievable! I spent YEARS of my life to understand these rhythms with a lot of teachers who talked and showed a lot of nonsense and I felt foolish all the time, because I checked nothing. And this guy needs 5 MINUTES and - I know all whats needed. THANK YOU!!! Now I know how to play S A L S A!!!

[@dirtylint]

I agree with you totally !!! Good and clear explanations and the rhythmic changes are not so difficult AND sound authentic !! Thanks a BUNCH !!

[@mattlawyer3245]

Amen! This was a WONDERFUL video!

[@yomcast7555]

Genius ! Merci!!!

[@fineartist7710]

..I am Cuban and a musician...and I go to say you've got the "Cubano" in you.

[@AlVelasquezDrums]

I’ve been playing and teaching drums for 40 years. I haven’t played piano since college. This lesson taught me more in 5 minutes than I learned in college. You have a gift teaching piano . I’m a fan. 🎼🙏🏽

[@bernardb2n]

Gee......this is the best montuno lesson i've found so far, thanks mate. Should do more.

[@thebeliever4802]

Yeah, this guy is amazing, but what allot of people also think is that latin piano sounds difficult/ or that it is, but thats not true, what he showed us is a basic pattern that will work in any key, and it sounds amazing. On thing that i recommend doing is playing different inversions with each hand. When you have this covered all you have to do is just make the chords dominant by putting your thumbs and your pinky a half note down, and there you ha e your montuno

[@arenotdiy7280]

You spoke and played through the song in time, and taught new things without ever having to break the groove. Bravo sir, Bravo

[@joelserrano1311]

I am Latin and this lesson is a outstanding plus. You are an awesome teacher , how easy was to understand even the variations with you method. Thank you so much, congratulations!

[@RJ-or8bw]

One of the most succinct and detailed lessons on KZbin

[@sameer8823]

I hope KZbin rewarded you for this video. I'm sure it's helped loads of people learn. Good on you sir 👊

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Superb video my Man. Simple, progressive, musical, and useful

[@alfonsomaurice7421]

instablaster

[@yiftach2949]

this is the best piano lesson video on youtube. Short, charming editing, and very informative and to the point! Thank you so much for making this it really helped!

[@H2OStriker]

Came across this video again randomly on my recommended page and shoutout to you! This really helped when I became pianist for my schools Latin jazz band. Miss it.

[@brittanyalayneplayspiano]

I’m Cuban and a classical/improv musician, thank you for explaining this so I can branch out and connect with my roots!!

[@michaeltsouris8190]

I like how you remind people at the end of videos that it IS viable to be a working musician. Just have to cover all your bases and be a professional. Great work man!

[@hartiganmusic]

+Michael Tsouris I've managed to avoid being a barista so far. For me at least, the key to working consistently seems to be: 1. being solid at what I do, 2. proving I'm reliable and not too flaky

[@michaeltsouris8190]

+Michael Hartigan #3. Positive attitude. :)

[@luisfigueroa5072]

What you have accomplished in five minutes is incredible. Thank you

[@bradleybunch1886]

Wow thank you...been playing keys for 60 years (have two music degrees) but I am always interested in learning more. Your explanations are clear and I really appreciate your written out notations. The chromatic passing tones were really helpful -- glad you mentioned the cliche montunos they are a perfect starting point.

[@ernestocruz7953]

Yes! Every tutrotial should be like this! Explaining concepts, not just specific notes to play

[@whel-auxnavigatesthedystop8709]

What a hero! I'm just beginning my piano journey, having started during lockdown and what a joy these montunos are to play! May the universe smile upon you my friend.

[@diasslo]

I´m from south america and I like salsa piano, and you really get the arpeggio. not so many people can really dig the montuno

[@mikebardenmusic]

I am a pro keyboard player but have very little experience with this, and just got asked to play in a salsa band this week. This will save my ass. Thanks!

[@P4boot]

😂 I guess we never know everything, even when you are a pro.

[@doxyen1709]

You are a legend my man. I cannot find words to describe how good you are as an online teacher.

[@edgarsnake2857]

Your lessons are top notch. Thank you for showing hoe it's done. Cheers.

[@uhoh007]

This is a flat-out masterpiece of piano instruction. It doesn't matter if you make no more. You gave us this priceless video, thank you !!!!

[@AndromedaCripps]

I think the three most important latin rhythms are a basic montuno, a bossa nova, and a samba. Maybe make a video on those other two? With those three you can play just about every popular latin song (as in popular beyond the genre, not within it).

[@greg_musician92]

Woahhhh! No much wrong here. Bossa nova and samba aren’t Latin. There are countless popular Latin rhythms…Cumbia, merengue, huapango, etc

[@midifromhell]

@@greg_musician92 Bossa Nova came from Brazil in the 1960's.

[@albertgriffith5801]

I've never heard montuno explained this clearly before. thanks mate

[@undercoverllamaweirdo9822]

I just ended up on here by coincidence but now after 5 minutes I’ve learnt so much omg thank you

[@grahamcmusic]

I really like the way you are so much to point and no unnecessary waffle or wee stories to introduce the video

[@anastasissfyrides2919]

very instructive for the uninitiated, clear and simple, thank you

[@BaltiSean]

I love the humor you pepper into your videos. You’re my favorite! Please make more videos!

[@GroovingGeckoMusic]

Very, very nice breakdowns and excellent method of teaching. Keep it up!

[@jomajor8485]

I enjoy both the practical nature of this and your good sense of humor.

[@lauraly152]

Best cha cha rhythm teaching found so far. Teaching was clear and precise with the notes to demonstrate visually while listening to sound and rhythm. Thank you Michael

[@evamai]

I wanted to learn how to play some easy salsa patterns (only know how to play classical piano). I love this. So easy to follow along. Great breakdown! Thanks so much! Would love more of this!

[@vincentjaime181]

Damn I wish Ive found this guy sooner. He makes practicing so much more enjoyable

[@lorenanovoa4584]

Love this video. Thank you! Can you please do some more Latin Piano tutorials? PLEEEEEEEASE!!!!

[@jeffreyfelder7981]

Awesome, simplistic explanation. You covered chord progression, and rhythms...

[@kebabroyal5682]

No fuss, very clear, right to the point. Very useful. Thanks for this :)

[@julidraney9443]

This is great! Entertaining, too! Thank you so much!

[@him_animations]

Great sir, I came here cause I needed this for one of my cartoons. Have an awesome day.

[@wallomaie1752]

so short and so informative. One of the best lessons I've seen on KZbin

[@RyanSukale]

This lesson is really fun to watch. Thank you so much for the tips! I cant wait to be able to play this.

[@freddyperezmusicentertainment]

Thank you. you mean well ' simple and no ego. thanks you are the best Gringo I know on youtube. And i mean that in a great way !!!!!!!

[@luppano]

After searching for a week the name of this pattern (and NOT being a musician) I thank you for this video !

[@soundaddiktion2006]

Montuno paino are some of may fav things in music to listen to

[@kingstonrock3693]

Best instructional salsa video thus far.

[@nickynahu]

Haha dude, you're awesome and funny. So hard to find someone that joyfully goes through all of this and gives you an idea to freestyle.

[@Vic9994546]

Thank you I’m a classical pianist getting into jazz this is very helpful I’m trying salsa

[@jimmythompson5822]

Thanks for the wisdoms. You just upped my game.

[@MrPasympa]

This is the most concise and accurate video I've seen on this topic. Cheers mate

[@reneortiz5876]

Thank you Maestro…. Excellent teachings we appreciate it

[@davelester1985]

What a nice explanation. Clear, concise, easy to use. I will share you with my keyboard friends, one in particular is trying to learn more of this technique. Bravo!

[@albo3music]

this video alone has helped me more than all of the other tutorials for this genre combined truly an awesome tutorial :)

[@zecalimazeca]

GREAT TEACHER, GREAT LESSON. Thank you. Greetings from Brazil

[@wattage2007]

Such an easily comprehensible breakdown of a style which has mystified my mind for so long. Nice one!

[@thebeliever4802]

This is a very easy and good sounding way to play montuno's. One thing i do suggest doing, is playing different inversions with each hand, and also practise playing with major, minor, and dominant 7 chords, doing this will give the montunos allot more flavour. If you mastet this then all you do is just jumo between the different inversions, or climb chromatically uo the scale or go down, possibilities are endless

[@roy6848]

amazing lessonlearned it quick and efficiently thankyou

[@luistrejo2987]

I am latino, and I approve this video. This is VERY good!! Short and simple! Thanks!

[@happy_culture]

Lol, i was thinking at first that this tutoriel was kinda vanilla, so glad i stayed until the end this sounds so good, thank you !!

[@LeahYoung-Multi-Media]

I really dig these piano tutorials! They are informative, witty, entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

[@kikodasneves1]

I couldn't find any decent montuno videos for guitar... this one helped me a lot!

[@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc]

Awesome tutorial, thank you so much. I’m quite new to Latin music and super interested in the Son Montuno sound. When you added the sixth - it’s so vibrant! Cheers!

[@Pegaseus]

This is musical gold. Thank you.

[@cameronduncan4801]

You just GET IT! Glad I discovered your videos!

[@PicturesHDx]

best teacher ever

[@sandEffect]

Wow I like how you've decoded and laid it out in simple terms... Awesome!

[@emilianodelsolar7469]

I was years searching a tutorial like this in KZbin. Thanks a Lot!!!

[@JayStansfield]

Totally fabulous human being! Thanks for this :) And thanks for being in this world xxx

[@seamanjive]

Im hearing Stephen Stills latin piano here. Stills spent early years in South America and its influence is all over his work. Gotta try this...thx.

[@nickpiovesan4361]

I. Have. Been. Looking for the word for this rhythm!! Thank you for posting this

[@ZergRushJohnny]

I'm an absolute beginner to piano and this was so clear and concise, thank you.

[@Carmen-mp3je]

Dude you are a genius!!! Subscribed already... it’s been years since I’ve been looking for someone who explains so clearly like you!!

[@kevinnunez4281]

Dude this amazing! I saw many videos and none of them explained things clear as you did. Thank you!

[@mradisic11]

Thank you, very much Michael. There are very good music teachers and you're the best. 🤗

[@olloyd1985]

Great videos man! You're a translator for musical styles. Thanks!

[@OwenAdamsMusic]

Great lesson! The secret really is that 3-octave split, love it! Chick Corea did a lot of crazy stuff with the montuno pattern.

[@SonnyCider]

you are a good teacher. Thank You

[@MarjosArt]

these are awesome videos=== just learning the basics-- you're awesome!! THANK YOU!

[@hartiganmusic]

+Valentine Wilson I'm having a good time making them. Thanks for watching!

[@MarjosArt]

+Michael Hartigan yes- i can see you are having fun with your graphics etc... ha ha... (but i gotta say I saw your sychopated funk lesson first and it was awesome with out all those graphics too-- honest! but good for you figuring out all that animation stuff-- I've been learning some basic animation too - it is fun~

[@MarjosArt]

I sing in a NOLO sound band and they/we/ need a key board player- i have good time/rhythm - and was forced to take piano lessons as a kid- so all these tips for groovin' with the band make a lot of sense - love all the styles you cover-- really great. and plenty of clear and basic info to practice with- I've got a lot to pull together for sure to really JAM with the band... but thanks for these videos!! keep em coming brother!!

[@fcedulaiii]

This is the most well explained basic montuno for me, now i can finally play it much better for i understand its construction and concept, thanks boss, you're great

[@raulraphael7404]

Dam!...You play Latin ...with the groove and feel of a Latino music pro!..Bravo!

[@diegomariozg]

Genial la forma en la que explicas la manera de tocar el piano en este ritmo. Me gustaría que nos dieras un curso más completo de la forma de tocar el son y la salsa, con uso de progresiones, arpegiados, acordes, etc. Muchas gracias

[@OtmaroRuiz2020]

Great information, to the point and quick!!

[@ManofLetters]

The best video by far brudduh thank you so much

[@christophemagnan-bosse6313]

Nice video for intermediate advanced players. Short and straigt to the point. Thanks!

[@authorstan]

Michael, I watch a LOT of instructional videos, and yours are GREAT!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us and keep up the good work!!

[@upwastoid]

this! ^^ I'm not on the level of this type of lesson, but I've basically learned all that I do know from youtube instructional videos and the layout, graphics, speed, information delivery of this video is phenomenal, keep up the good work!

[@eenergabeener]

Thanks so much! Straight and to the point, not over explained, yet so many options!

[@Chris.4345]

What a well done instructional video! Thank you!

[@salvatorefarfaglia5810]

no way....you are a genius Michael, I really like the way you offer your contents! Cheers to you

[@leonaranzazu187]

Awesome!!! subscribed at once. This tutorial was kind of hypnotic , it is like an internal voice that said : it is not that difficult, look at this instructor an enjoy. Thank you again.

[@Chapperino]

dude this is sooo good. you make it very simple by building it up from the beginning.

[@hectordelvalle5762]

Thanks brother you are a good teacher I appreciate everything you teaching to us

[@liliya3040]

wow !!!!! so clear !!!! thanks for notes !!!!

[@geoflyer15]

just found this channel. really great. i love the humor sprinkled throughout, something often missing in other piano tutorials. great content too. thanks

[@mejiaronny]

Man! Finally a good doable tutorial about this!! Thanks!! I'll study the rest of your videos!!

[@manny3549]

Loved it!!! Never thought I could learn in 5:26.... This guy is an amazing teacher

[@ricomajestic]

These are great! You should expand on these video lessons and even sell them online(not too expensive I hope). There is nothing out there on practical or real world keyboard playing for intermediate players and very little on the different accompaniment styles and grooves.

[@mattdevereaux4550]

This bloke is great! Very useful tutorial.

[@sendaiizumi]

Great video, simple and easy to understand. I am a Salsa pianist in Latin bands. You covered the basic stuff.

[@alejandro1133]

Love old school tutorias!

[@MiMoTheMusician]

Great breakdown! Thank you!

[@andrewkitchen4628]

Brilliantly explained!