Don’t Just Play The Guitar, Feel It
Latin American folk music isn’t just something you play – it’s something you live, breathe, and feel. From the driving pulse of Cuban Son to the galloping swing of Venezuela’s Joropo and the soaring mountain melodies of Andean Bambuco, these aren’t just rhythms—they’re conversations between melody, harmony, and groove.
Led by award-winning Colombian guitarist Camilo Menjura, this course takes you beyond technique and into the soul of Latin American guitar traditions. You’ll learn how to replicate the percussive depth of entire ensembles, weaving together basslines, harmony, and rhythm with just your guitar. Whether you’re looking to bring more groove and fluidity into your playing or master the art of creating a full, rich sound as a solo guitarist, this course gives you the tools to do it.
By breaking down the techniques of Cuban Son, Joropo, and Bambuco, you’ll develop a natural, instinctive connection to groove, one that goes beyond counting beats and becomes something you internalize, move with, and truly feel.
This isn’t just about learning new songs. It’s about transforming the way you hear and play music. By the end of this course, Latin rhythms won’t be something you think about, they’ll be something that flows effortlessly through your hands.
If you’re ready to break out of rigid patterns, elevate your solo guitar playing, and bring Latin American fire into your sound, this course will take you there.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Develop a Deep Sense of Latin American Rhythm
- Learn the syncopated strumming techniques of Cuban Son, Joropo, and Bambuco.
- Master right-hand independence and complex rhythmic phrasing.
- Internalize clave, triplet grooves, and cross-rhythms for natural, flowing accompaniment.
Expand Your Harmonic and Melodic Knowledge
- Explore chord substitutions and reharmonization techniques used in Latin music.
- Study major Latin progressions and their role in melody and improvisation.
- Develop left-hand control for dynamic chord voicings and embellishments.
Replicate Full Latin Ensembles on Solo Guitar
- Reconstruct the multiple instrumental layers of a Latin band into a single guitar part.
- Apply melodic basslines, percussive strumming, and syncopated accents.
- Adapt traditional folk phrasing to solo guitar performance.
Understand the Cultural and Historical Context
- Learn how African, Indigenous, and European influences shaped Latin American styles.
- Explore the musical evolution of Joropo, Cuban Son, and Bambuco.
- Gain insight into the regional diversity of Latin American folk traditions.
Sample Lessons
Meet Your Tutor: Camilo Menjura
Camilo Menjura grew up in Bogotá, immersed in Colombia’s diverse folk traditions. He spent over a decade learning by ear before studying classical guitar at one of Colombia’s top music academies, refining his understanding of harmony, theory, and technique. His deep connection to both folk traditions and formal training makes him a unique bridge between traditional and contemporary approaches to Latin guitar.
Now based in the UK, Camilo has twice been named Musician of the Year at the UK Latin Awards. His career has taken him from composing film and theatre scores to performing at major festivals, including the Mali Festival of the Desert and WOMAD. He is also the founder and director of London’s World Music Choir, bringing together vocalists from across the globe.
Camilo’s teaching approach deconstructs complex Latin rhythms and techniques, making them accessible, playable, and deeply musical. Whether you're new to Latin American music or looking to refine your understanding of rhythm and groove, this course will give you the tools to play with confidence and authenticity.
The Ultimate Learning Experience
Latin American Folk Guitar – Deluxe
3 hours of detailed lessons teaching you how to be proficient in Joropo, Son and Bambuco whilst developing an authentic Latin American guitar feel.
Interactive On-screen Notation
Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, virtual fretboards, slow motion and more.
Cuban Guitar Masterclass
Take your Cuban guitar study even further with 2 hours of bonus masterclasses learning some of Camilo’s favourite guitar pieces.
Cumbia Guitar Masterclass
Learn another popular Colombian guitar style in Camilo’s 1 hour masterclass with a detailed guide to the rhythms of Cumbia.
Latin American Backing Tracks
Put your new techniques into practice and jam over traditional Joropo and Son grooves so you can develop your own authentic feel and be confident playing in a variety of new styles.
Course Content
Course Includes
- 7 Modules
- 60 Lessons
- Lifetime Access
- Student Support Group
How do the lessons work. Is it all through videos ?
Hi Greg. Yes the course is all videos which you can learn with in your own time.
I’m a beginner intermediate level player will I be able to do this course ?
This course covers Venezuelan, Colombian and Cuban guitar styles. Personally I think Module 3 and 6 which cover Cuban music are the most challenging as the rhythmic concepts might be unusual to you depending on what your previous musical experience is. However challenging doesn’t mean bad, it means something that will make you a much better musician once you’ve got that learnt. There are various tools on the media player that make it easier to study including bar looping, tab, speed control. Module 2 and 4 deal with technique which is something any level guitarist will always benefit from. Let me know any other questions.