The Aguinaldo is one of Venezuela’s most festive and joyful rhythms, traditionally played during Christmas celebrations. It shares similarities with the Venezuelan Merengue, but has its own distinct groove and a special silent beat that gives it a unique swing.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to combine frenados (muted strums) with open strums to capture the authentic feel of the Aguinaldo.
🎯 What You’ll Learn
Practice with common Aguinaldo chord progressions
The 5-strum Aguinaldo pattern in a 6/8 time signature
How to use descending and ascending frenados to accent the rhythm
Where to place the “blank” silent strum for authentic timing
Aguinaldo Rhythm
The Aguinaldo starts off with the following motions:
- Descending frenado
- Upward strum
- Downward strum
- Ascending frenado
- Downward strum
- Blank Strum
The “Blank Strum” is crucial — it creates space between the 5th and 1st strum when starting the next measure, adding the characteristic Aguinaldo bounce.
Have a look at the detailed video on how to play Aguinaldo, the chords made use of are D, G, A7, and D7.
Aguinaldo Demonstration
Chords Played in Aguinaldo Demonstration
💡 Tips for Mastering Aguinaldo
- Keep your wrist relaxed for fluid motion between frenados and open strums.
- Count out loud while practicing to internalize the silent 6th beat.
- Compare with the Venezuelan Merengue — notice how Aguinaldo’s pause changes the feel.
- Start slow, then gradually build up to full speed.
Just as with the Venezuelan Merengue, it will take some used to ending the measure with a downward motion and starting off with a downward motion as well. Both are similar, but if you take note in comparison to the Merengue, the silence which marks the 6th invisible strum is noticeable when listening to the Aguinaldo.
