A
guajeo (Anglicized pronunciation:
wa-hey-yo) is a typical
Cuban ostinato melody, most often consisting of
arpeggiated chords in syncopated patterns. Some musicians only use the term
guajeo for ostinato patterns played specifically by a
tres,
piano, an instrument of the
violin family, or
saxophones. Piano guajeos are one of the most recognizable elements of modern day
salsa. Piano guajeos are also known as
montunos in North America, or
tumbaos in the contemporary Cuban dance music
timba.