Venezuela & Colombia’s Rhythmic Heartbeat

Joropo is a high-energy, percussive, and rhythmically complex style of folk music from Venezuela and Colombia. With its intricate strumming patterns, fast tempos, and lively melodic phrasing, joropo is a fundamental style for Latin American folk guitarists.

This playlist accompanies the Latin American Folk Guitar Course by Camilo Menjura at World Music Method, featuring essential recordings that highlight the vibrant rhythms and lyrical storytelling of joropo.

While our written list showcases the recommended versions, some tracks on Spotify may be alternate versions due to availability.

Venezuelan Joropo – The Soul of the Plains

Joropo is Venezuela’s national dance and musical form, blending Spanish, indigenous, and African influences. Its driving rhythm, played on cuatro (small guitar), harp, and maracas, gives it a distinctive swing that is both hypnotic and exhilarating.

• “Alma Llanera” – Simón Díaz
• “Caballo Viejo” – Simón Díaz
• “Fiesta en Elorza” – Eneas Perdomo
• “El Becerrito” – Reynaldo Armas
• “Pasaje del Olvido” – Lilia Vera
• “Tonada de Luna Llena” – Simón Díaz
• “Cajón de Arauca Apureño” – Cholo Valderrama
• “De Conde a Principal” – Ensamble Gurrufío
• “Seis Por Derecho” – Gurrufío & Gualberto Ibarreto
• “Joropo Tuyero” – Cheo Hurtado
• “Quitapesares” – Aquiles Báez
• “María Laya” – Gafa Trío
• “Amalia Rosa” – Reynaldo Armas
• “Los Dos Gavilanes” – Cholo Valderrama
• “Venezuela” – Luis Silva

Colombian Joropo – The Andean Plains in Motion

In Colombia, joropo is synonymous with the culture of the Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales). While it retains the fast-paced rhythms of Venezuelan joropo, the Colombian variation incorporates more percussive accents and string flourishes, often featuring the harp and bandola llanera as lead instruments.

• “Ay Mi Llanura” – Arnulfo Briceño
• “Carmentea” – Luis Ariel Rey
• “Joropo Quitapesares” – Grupo Cimarrón
• “Viajera del Río” – Aries Vigoth
• “El Diablo Suelto” – Cheo Hurtado
• “Caballo Blanco” – Reynaldo Armas
• “Moliendo Café” – Hugo Blanco

Summary – Experience the Drive and Passion of Joropo

This playlist serves as a comprehensive guide to the fiery rhythms of joropo, capturing its lightning-fast strumming, passionate storytelling, and deep cultural roots. Whether you’re drawn to the sweeping melodies of Venezuelan harpists or the percussive attack of Colombian bandola players, these recordings will deepen your appreciation and inspire your playing.

To master the techniques of Joropo, join the Latin American Folk Guitar Course by Camilo Menjura at World Music Method.