To execute the Walz rhythm, simply mix the two previously covered accents. One hand will play the golpe sencillo in a downward motion, and the other will do so for the golpe double up/down.
These two movements make a rhythmic pattern based on 3/4, where each bar is composed of 6 accents or motions:
- up/down (right)
- down (left)
- up/down (right)
- down (left)
(The downward motion coincides with the venezuelan cuatros chasquido when playing waltz)
To be able to follow the tempo with the necessary motions and execute the waltz rhythm correctly, it is necessary to start with the downward golpe sencillo with the right hand, a pause, and followed by the downward golpe sencillo with the left hand. This follows a 3 count. By keeping this form, the accent (descending left hand) will always coincide with the 3 and the 6 in each bar.
“ESCOBILLAO” VARATION
A common variation for this rhythm is to do so with «Escobillao». The Escribillao movement consists of dragging the maraca from one side to another resulting in an accent that is not flat or dry.
In this video, we will review how to play the waltz with Escobillao following the pattern
- Up/down (left)
- Escobillao (right)
In this case, it is not necessary to wait for the 3 counts when getting started. The motion should start with a regular tempo and the escobillao will replace the chasquido of 3 and 6 in each bar.
Listen how the Waltz with Maracas should sound once you introduce the “Escobillao” technique.
Once you have master the “Escobillao”, we invite you to practice with the following video, where you play along with the Maracas player and try to imitate the accentuation, downward strumming, up/down and escobillao:
