Loby guitar

  If there’s one sound that represents the heart of the Dominican people, it’s bachata. A genre that was born with humility, grew through struggle, and today is heard across the globe. But… how did it all begin? Here’s a simple and clear look at the story of Dominican bachata. The Beginning: Music of the Barrio (1960s–1970s ) Bachata began in the poor neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. At first, it wasn’t even called bachata—it was known as “música de amargue” (bitterness music), because its lyrics were full of heartbreak, sorrow, betrayal, and real-life struggles. It was a mix of bolero, son, and other Caribbean styles, using guitar, bongos, and maracas. But back then, it was looked down upon—associated with bars, brothels, and the lower class. The media ignored it, and it was often played only in secret or informal gatherings. Fun fact: The word “bachata” originally referred to casual, lively parties with music, drinks, and dancing. Evolution and Social Rejection (1980s) For years, ...

Bachata is one of the most representative music genres of the Dominican Republic. And while people often talk about the singers, rhythm, and lyrics, there’s something essential that defines its sound: the guitar. Today I want to share a top 5 list of Dominican guitarists who have been key in the development and evolution of bachata. Some are legends, others are part of the new wave, but they all have one thing in common: their playing helped shape the identity of the genre. 1. Edilio Paredes Considered one of the founding fathers of bachata guitar. His playing set the foundations of the genre in the 60s and 70s with a unique lead guitar (requinto) style and lots of creativity. If you want to understand where it all began, you need to listen to him. Recommended songs: • “Con el amor no se juega” • “El chivo sin ley” 2. Antony Santos Not only a singer but also a skilled guitarist. Many consider him a key innovator of the modern requinto sound in bachata. His style is melodic, romantic, a...

  week as a guitarist: by Robinson  Wednesday – Acoustic Inspiration I took the afternoon to play solo acoustic guitar. No plugs or pedals. Just me, my instrument, and some mellow songs. I recorded a couple of new ideas that surprised me. Song of the day: “Oceans” by Hillsong United. Thursday – Group Rehearsal I got together with my friends to rehearse. We have a band and are preparing two songs to play at a local event. We played a classical kompas and some worship music. Fun fact: We ended up improvising a kompas that lasted over 20 minutes! Friday – Review Day I went back and practiced what I learned during the week. I recorded myself playing to analyze mistakes, something I highly recommend if you're just learning. I realized I need to work more on being clean when changing chords quickly. Weekend – Music and Relaxation On Saturday, I went to San Pedro to see a band play, which gave me a ton of motivation. On Sunday, I rested, but not completely: I listened to records and ...