• Meet Brenda
  • The Versatile Musician
  • Lessons
  • Guest Artist
  • Blog
  • Performances
  • Connect
  • Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Piano & Voice With Brenda

Piano and Voice Training that WORKS.

  • Meet Brenda
  • The Versatile Musician
  • Lessons
  • Guest Artist
  • Blog
  • Performances
  • Connect
  • Meet Brenda
  • The Versatile Musician
  • Lessons
  • Guest Artist
  • Blog
  • Performances
  • Connect

What is the Tresillo rhythm?

Turquoise background with piano keyboard on the bottom. Photo of Brenda Earle Stokes with her hands up in the air. White letter reads "What is the Tresillo rhythm?" and blue text reads "3+3+2???"

In this tutorial, I will show you a rhythm that you have probably never hear of, even though I can guarantee you have HEARD it before.  Get ready as I answer the question "What is the Tresillo rhythm?"

So...What IS the Tresillo rhythm?

Quite simply, the Tresillo (pronounced tray-SEE-yo) is the pattern that we hear as 1 2 3 - 1 2 3 - 1 2 or 3+3+2.  Notice that the first part of this rhythm is the Charleston rhythm, which we learned earlier.

The Tresillo rhythm written in music notation.

The Tresillo rhythm is a more complex version of the Habanera.  If you want to dive deeper into some African American music history, check out this link.

We can count the Tresillo Rhythm in one of two ways.  Like this:

Screen Shot 2023-02-28 at 9.07.05 AM

Or, like this:

Screen Shot 2023-02-28 at 9.07.20 AM

Learning the Tresillo Rhythm

In order to master this rhythm, here is a great way to practice it:

Step #1:  Clap the Tresillo and count it 1+2+3+4+

Step #2:  Clap the Tresillo and count it 1 2 3 - 1 2 3 - 1 2

Step #3:  Play it on the piano

Step #4:  Play and sing it on a song

Origin of the Tresillo rhythm

Songs that us the Tresillo rhythm

The Tresillo rhythm shows up in a lot of different styles of music from all over the world.  You can hear it in Africa, all over Latin America, New Orleans and in American rock music and Music Theater.  Its origin is sub-Saharan Africa and was brought over to South American during the Slave trade.  

The Tresillo is also known as:

The Habanera

Tango

New Orleans Groove

half of the Clave

Pop Clave

Bass tumbao

Spanish Tinge

Malfouf (Egypt)

Gen-Z Clave

Stand By Me is a great example of the Tresillo rhythm.  The bass line can be counted in this 3+3+2 pattern throughout.  Bet you never realized that rhythm had a name, did you?

Under the Boardwalk by the Drifters also uses this groove.  I told you it was everywhere!

Blue Bayou written by Roy Orbison and famously sung by Linda Ronstadt is also another great example of the Tresillo rhythm.

Are you a singer who needs to learn piano but doesn’t know where to start?

Sign up for my Piano Skills for Singers guide to get a list of the exact skills you need to learn!

Blue Bayou written by Roy Orbison and famously sung by Linda Ronstadt is also another great example of the Tresillo rhythm.

The Tresillo Rhythm as an alternative to "Strumming"

I like to use the Tresillo rhythm as a strumming alternative.  The U2 song With or Without You is a prime example.  I use their pulsing bass line in my left hand and use the Tresillo rhythm in my right.  It's a great way to fill up the space in a rhythmic way!

Here are just a few more pop songs that use the Tresillo rhythm.  How many of them do you know?

Bailando - Enrique Iglesius

Sorry - Justin Bieber

Clocks - Coldplay

Love Me Now - John Legend

Down on the Corner - CCR

Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen

La Isla Bonita - Madonna

Chandalier - Sia

Enjoy this tutorial?  This is an excerpt of a lesson from Piano Skills for Singers Level 2 - the course that has taught hundreds of singers worldwide to play piano and sound great!

Fuchsia thumbnail with hands on the piano keyboard overlay. White letters read "Piano Skills for Singers" and "Level 2" is written on a yellow circle
Learn more!

Are you ready to  LEVEL UP your piano playing using a proven method?

Are you tired of STRUGGLING at the piano and want an easier way?

Have you taken piano lessons in the past and found that the process was SLOW, FRUSTRATING, or DIFFICULT ?

Piano Skills for Singers Level 2 is my #1 bestselling course, which has empowered hundreds of singers worldwide to amp up their piano skills and be confident and productive at the keyboard.

We skip the busy work from traditional piano classes and go right for the skills that will directly support your work as a singer, voice teacher, and choral conductor.

Category: Piano for Singers, Piano Lessons, Teaching

Previous Post: «Turquoise background with piano keyboard on the bottom of the screen. Photo of Brenda Earle Stokes in a yellow and white striped top pointing to a photo of singer Linda Ronstadt. Blue and yellow lettering reads "Blue Bayou sing and play tutorial" With or Without You Sing and Play Piano Tutorial
Next Post: Play Major and Minor Chords on Piano »

© Piano & Voice with Brenda | Michigan Web Design by Ellanyze
Privacy Policy | Terms & Condition