Characteristics of Latin American music

1, Latin American music is closely related to life, combined with religion, labor and dance, so in general, they have simple melody and unique expression. This feature is especially manifested in South American folk music based on Andean folk songs, which has no pentatonic scale.

2. Latin American music rhythm is relatively simple. But according to records, before the Spanish conquered Mexico, in Mexico, in order to adapt to religious dance, there were percussion instruments with very complicated rhythm. In addition, there is no harmony in the European sense in traditional Indian music.

3. Musical instruments, the absence of stringed instruments is a major feature. Although stringed instruments such as guitar, violin and harp are often used in Indian music today, they were brought by Europeans from the16th century, or made in the New World under the influence of Europe.

Extended data:

Most residents in Latin America are mixed-race, so music also shows the natural feeling of life in that society. The so-called European style and African-American style here have all been dyed with the colors of the New World and gained new life.

Indian primitive music culture is not so much passed down according to ancient customs, but rather absorbed various influences on the one hand, and added many subtle changes on the other hand, as an expression of people's feelings of living in reality.

Indians provided the basic pentatonic mode, and the influence of European colonists was manifested in the expansion of scales and the addition of chords, while blacks added the modification of tone change. In terms of beat and rhythm, Indians insist on short sentences and long pauses, accompanied by monotonous drums.