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Michael offers Cuban Tress and Guitar lessons
Lesson 2: How to play Cuban Tres, Picking Technique
The Tres Cubano is an extremely cool instrument but, the secret is in the picking hand.
In this lesson, I continue to break down the picking technique as well as introduce a new montuno or tumbao for us to add to our bag.
Lesson by Michael McClintock, who stands up for his performance of the Guitar and the Cuban Tres (Cuban native guitar). His classical technique is enriched by different styles of music as a result of his studies and national and international experiences. Visit Michael's site for more information HERE
Recommended books: Cuban Tres books by Efraín Amador (Master professor - Founder of the Cuban Tres methods in Cuba) HERE: https://amzn.to/3wgTuIM
Access the full “How to Play Cuban Tres” playlist on Michael’s YouTube channel HERE.
WANT TO GO DEEPER?
• Personal feedback and faster progress → Book a private lesson
• Structured, step-by-step guidance → Explore full courses
• Need charts, tabs, and play-along tools? → Access chord grids, iReal Pro files, and lesson materials
• Prefer to start with a clear foundation? → Explore the guitar method book
• Reinforce what you learn → Continue with free YouTube tutorials
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER
Michael holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory. He has pursued advanced studies in Flamenco, Jazz, Brazilian, and Cuban music, and regularly teaches and performs across Kansas City, Paris, and Havana.
As a Performer
For over 20 years, Michael McClintock has built an international career as a guitarist and recording artist. He has released a recent solo album of original compositions for a variety of guitars, praised by critics for its virtuosity. He is also the driving force behind Cubanisms, with two acclaimed albums that earned outstanding reviews in the U.S., Colombia, and Cuba — the second described as sui generis, breaking traditional boundaries. Beyond his own projects, Michael has contributed to nearly ten other albums, including collaborations with Grammy-winning artists. He continues to perform regularly across Kansas City, Paris, and Havana.
As a Teacher
For more than two decades, Michael has taught students of all levels, sharing his expertise in classical and world guitar styles, and also in music theory. His students benefit not only from his academic training but also from his extensive professional performance experience.
Selected teaching experience includes:
• Michael McClintock Music Studios (2003–present)
• Masterclass – Tres Cubano, Folk Alliance International (USA, 2017)
• Masterclass – Escuela Nacional de Música (Havana, Cuba, 2019)
• Masterclass – Jazz improvisation (Guitar & Tres Cubano), Jazz Plaza Festival (Cuba, 2026)
Michael also shares free educational content on YouTube, reaching a growing audience of guitarists worldwide (9,000+ subscribers | 140,000+ views on top videos).
STUDENT FEEDBACK (via YouTube)
@edmorrison7590 - One of the best video tutorials I have ever seen. Clear instructions for fingering placement on the chords and I’ve seen another of your video demonstrating how to change chords with minimum effort. Look forward to more of these instructive videos, well done.
@acastano59 - Frankly, one of the best youtube channels for learn how to play guitar. Keep going. This song, that seemed impossible to learn, in one day I learned the first part. Thanks from France 🙂
@James333-n2q - Chord progression and chord charts shown on screen, clear, precise and simple… to the point without endless waffle! Thank you.
@bill7016 - Hey Michael, thank you man. I've been playing that song for 40 years and this is the best chord arrangement I've come across.
@OldiesFlashback - You’ve provided the absolute best method for a tutorial with the split screen view. Thank you very much.
@guitarman4242 - Very comprehensible lesson. You have a way of explaining things that make it easy to learn. I picked it up right away.
@Whatzzzz999 - You make relatively complex music seem relatively straightforward!
@otaviocarneiro2441 - Man, your bossa nova tutorials are incredible! I've been trying to play songs like this for a while but never found an easy way to follow along and digestible chords, but you changed that man. Thank you so much! It is really helping me out! Keep up the incredible work man
@ricardoandrade7575 - It’s funny, I grew up in Brazil, yet I found your videos the most accurate and clear to understand
Trusted by 9,000+ guitarists learning with Michael on YouTube
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