Introduction
Mapalé is a vibrant and captivating musical style that originated in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, particularly in the city of Cartagena. It is characterized by its infectious rhythmic patterns, rich harmonic progressions, and distinctive melodic motifs. As a fundamental component of Colombian music, Mapalé has been shaping the country’s musical identity for decades. In this masterclass, we will delve into the core elements of Mapalé, exploring its rhythmic characteristics, harmonic and melodic structure, and practical applications.
Phase 1: Fundamentos (The Seed) — Core Rhythmic Pattern & Foundational Harmony
Mapalé is typically played in a 4/4 time signature, with a prominent emphasis on the second and fourth beats. The rhythmic pattern is often represented by the following ASCII grid:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
X . X . X . X .
This pattern is usually accompanied by a combination of percussion instruments, including the tambourine, shaker, and drum set. The foundational harmony of Mapalé is based on the I - IV - V progression, often with the addition of the vi chord. A common chord progression is:
I - vi - IV - V
C - A minor - F - G
[!NOTE] The use of the vi chord adds a touch of melancholy and sophistication to the progression.
Phase 2: Desarrollo (The Growth) — Practical Applications
In this phase, we will explore the practical applications of Mapalé, including chord voicings, strumming/picking patterns, and arrangement techniques. A typical chord voicing for the I chord is:
e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---3---
E|---0---
This voicing can be used as a starting point for creating more complex and interesting chord progressions. For example:
Cmaj9 - Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7
e|---0---0---1---3---
B|---1---2---1---0---
G|---0---2---2---0---
D|---2---2---3---0---
A|---3---0---3---2---
E|---0---0---1---3---
The strumming/picking pattern for Mapalé typically involves a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, with an emphasis on the second and fourth beats. A common pattern is:
Down - Up - Down - Up - Down - Up - Down - Up
[!TIP] Experiment with different rhythmic patterns and chord voicings to create a unique sound.
Phase 3: Maestría (The Flower) — Advanced Reharmonizations and Improvisation Concepts
In this phase, we will explore advanced reharmonizations and improvisation concepts, including modal interchange, altered scales, and characteristic basslines. One way to add tension and release to the progression is to use tritone substitutions. For example:
I - vi - IV - bII (tritone substitution)
C - A minor - F - D flat
[!IMPORTANT] The use of tritone substitutions can add a touch of sophistication and surprise to the progression.
Examples
Some notable examples of Mapalé music include:
* Joe Arroyo - “La Noche": A classic example of Mapalé, featuring a driving rhythmic pattern and catchy melodic motifs.
* Peter Manjarrés - “El Pirata": A modern take on the Mapalé style, featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary elements.
Practice Challenge / Reto Práctico
Practice playing the following chord progression with a metronome, emphasizing the second and fourth beats:
I - vi - IV - V
C - A minor - F - G
Gradually increase the tempo and experiment with different rhythmic patterns and chord voicings.
Key Terms Glossary
- Mapalé: A musical style originating from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, characterized by its infectious rhythmic patterns and rich harmonic progressions.
- Tritone substitution: A harmonic technique used to add tension and release to a progression, by substituting a chord with its tritone equivalent.
- Modal interchange: A technique used to create tension and release by borrowing chords and scales from parallel modes or scales.
- Altered scales: Scales that have been modified to include additional notes or intervals, often used to add tension and color to a melody.
- Characteristic bassline: A bassline that is typical of a particular musical style or genre, often featuring a distinctive rhythmic or melodic pattern.