Nelson Gonzalez Online

www.nelsongonzalezonline.com is the official site of Nelson Gonzalez, grammy winning Cuban Tres Guitar Player for many Latin Music legends including Marc Anthony, Cachao, Eddie Palmieri, Christina Aguilera, Danny Rivera and the Conga Kings, Jon Secada and Carlos Patato Valdez. Many people do not know that he was featured prominently on two Grammy winning recordings with Gloria Estefan, as well as on Tito Puente’s final recording.

39 thoughts on “Nelson Gonzalez Online”

  1. I’M INTERESTED IN FINDING A TYPICAL CUBAN GUITAR CALLED EL LAUD OR LAUD,I SAW THIS GUITAR IN A SPECIAL ON TELEVISION ABOUT THE GROUP BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB.I HAVE LOOKED IN A FEW WEB SITES WITH NO LUCK.I KNOW THEY MAKE THEM IN CUBA,BUT I THOUGHT MAYBE THEY MIGHT ALSO BE MADE IN FLORIDA OR SOMERE IN THE USA.

  2. Learning how to play the Cuban Tres Guitar
    Tito

    Hi, I play the guitar and I love the sound of the Cuban Tres , I am Cuban living in Miami, I would like to buy some methods, books,etc.about how to play the tres, but nobody has any here at the music shops, if someone knows a place where to order these books, or if you know a teacher in the Miami area please help.I found a place here in Miami where they sell a very decent Tres made in Mexico.Thanks

    1. Re: Learning how to play the Cuban Tres Guitar
      SeisCuerdas

      I got my book from Ebay. The seller is Manipicao. They are hard to find. Keep playing though

    2. Re: Learning how to play the Cuban Tres Guitar
      el faisan de puerto rico

      for those in the miami area, there is a place in calle 8 where they sell tres. if not you can order one from lone star guitars is about $175.00. as far as you playing guitar is good but i don’t know how much is that going to help you in my case i used to play piano and bass and let me tell you i start playing tres the same day i bought it. good luck

  3. learn to play the tres
    jose suarez

    Im cuban and being in a cuban family the tres has always interested me.I bought one on the internet, but I live in atlanta and i don’t know if anyone here has even heard of a tres.Im looking for classes if anyone could help me .I’d love to learn!

  4. learning the Tres
    TRAVIS TUCKER

    I just completed making a tres from a guitar I purchased at the flea market. It came out perfect. Now I would like to know if it is possible you can send me some fingering hints on montunos. I have been following the music of Isaac Oviedo and he has just blowed my mind. I live in Queens New York. So if you can help me out I would really appriciate it. Thanks,

  5. learning to play the tres
    TRAVIS TUCKER

    I have just made a tres from a guitar a found at the flea market. It came out perfect. I have be following the playing of ISAAC OVIEDO his tunes have really blowned my mind. Is it possible you can send me some tips on fingering montuno’s. Or direct me on how to go about learning the tres.

    1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
      jose

      : I need information in the miami area where or who gives lessons on the cuban tres, Im interested in learning about this grat sounding instrument but i have no clue on how I can get started.

      : v
      Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.

      1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
        Mario Diaz

        : : I need information in the miami area where or who gives lessons on the cuban tres, Im interested in learning about this grat sounding instrument but i have no clue on how I can get started.

        : : v
        : Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.
        Dear musician, I also bought a Tres, because I am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its possibilities, to my surprise in spite of how many Cubans there are in Miami, there are no books, methods, or printed music of any kind for the instrumet. What a shame, however since I have been playing guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

        1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
          Joe Green

          You

          :
          : : : v
          : : Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.
          : Dear musician, I also bought a Tres, because I am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its possibilities, to my surprise in spite of how many Cubans there are in Miami, there are no books, methods, or printed music of any kind for the instrumet. What a shame, however since I have been playing guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

          There is a method at salsablanca.com, english and spanish. With tabs and cd.

        2. Where to Buy a Tres
          Cuban3Luthiers

          Hi there If you need help buying a tres. We are Luthiers of Cuban Tres. We are in Havana, Cuba, But we can ship all over the world. Our Tres are played by the best cuban treseros, and groups. Now we are accepting Orders for 2009. Contact us at [email protected]. It will be a pleasure to help Tres Players find a good instrument.

        3. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
          Dominic Kirk

          Hey guys, my name is dom im 14 years old and ive been playing the tres cubano for around 1 year, my dads friend brought me a beautiful Tres from cuba and i am in love with it,( i also play congas and timbales with many cuban bands in my city), i know all the chords, string guages and tunings, etc etc about the tres off by heart, so if anyone would like to email me about chords or books or anything i would be happy to help. I also own a book from cuba about the tres which has insructions on converting a guitar into a tres and most chords imaginable from majors, minors, 7s, flats, shraps, diminished and so on. Good luck in the search for the Tres…

          1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
            Al

            Would like to purchase book on learning how to play the tres. I also play congas and timbales. So we have something in common.:
            : Hey guys, my name is dom im 14 years old and ive been playing the tres cubano for around 1 year, my dads friend brought me a beautiful Tres from cuba and i am in love with it,( i also play congas and timbales with many cuban bands in my city), i know all the chords, string guages and tunings, etc etc about the tres off by heart, so if anyone would like to email me about chords or books or anything i would be happy to help. I also own a book from cuba about the tres which has insructions on converting a guitar into a tres and most chords imaginable from majors, minors, 7s, flats, shraps, diminished and so on. Good luck in the search for the Tres…

        4. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
          peter mastenko

          : : : I need information in the miami area where or who gives lessons on the cuban tres, Im interested in learning about this grat sounding instrument but i have no clue on how I can get started.

          :
          : : : v
          : : Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.
          : Dear musician, I also bought a Tres, because I am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its possibilities, to my surprise in spite of how many Cubans there are in Miami, there are no books, methods, or printed music of any kind for the instrumet. What a shame, however since I have been playing guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

          I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
          I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
          I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.

          1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
            Timothy MacBain

            : : For those of you trying to learn tres but can’t find method books, check out general books on cuban music, such as Rebecca Mauleon’s ‘Salsa Guidebook’ or Ed Uribe’s ‘Essense of Afro-Cuban Percussion’. These have info on tuning and sample montunos for the tres, as well as being great overviews of what all the instruments are doing. Single-line piano montunos are derived from tres patterns, so they can give you some good ideas. Good luck.
            : : : : v
            : : : Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.
            : : Dear musician, I also bought a Tres, because I am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its possibilities, to my surprise in spite of how many Cubans there are in Miami, there are no books, methods, or printed music of any kind for the instrumet. What a shame, however since I have been playing guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

            : I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
            : I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
            : I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.

          2. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
            diego gonzalez

            need to buy a tres I am am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its are no books, methods, guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

            : I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
            : I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
            : I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.
            i just got back from cuba and happened to have found a tres manual for about 38.00 USD. in it it explains the major chords, the basic rythms, some technique, and a cd to go along with the lessons. so far its helping me though it isnt as easy as i thought. the tuning throws me off a bit given my years of playing guitar. you just have to give this great intrument its respect and learn it from scratch without any arrogance of how well you play guitar!!

            1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
              Frank Abenante

              I’m Venezuelan, living in Ft Lauderdale. Studied piano for 9 years, and played since I was 7. I also play Venezuelan cuatro and bandola. I love cuban music and just yesterday bought a Tres. Since the tuning is similar to the first 3 courses of the bandola (E-D-A-E) I managed to find some chords, but I would like to copy the manual you got in Cuba (I’ll pay you back the 38 USD!!). PLease let me know if you are willing to share the manual and perhaps make some music together.

              Frank

              : need to buy a tres I am am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its are no books, methods, guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

              : : I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
              : : I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
              : : I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.
              : i just got back from cuba and happened to have found a tres manual for about 38.00 USD. in it it explains the major chords, the basic rythms, some technique, and a cd to go along with the lessons. so far its helping me though it isnt as easy as i thought. the tuning throws me off a bit given my years of playing guitar. you just have to give this great intrument its respect and learn it from scratch without any arrogance of how well you play guitar!!

              1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
                Max Martina

                : I’m Venezuelan, living in Ft Lauderdale. Studied piano for 9 years, and played since I was 7. I also play Venezuelan cuatro and bandola. I love cuban music and just yesterday bought a Tres. Since the tuning is similar to the first 3 courses of the bandola (E-D-A-E) I managed to find some chords, but I would like to copy the manual you got in Cuba (I’ll pay you back the 38 USD!!). PLease let me know if you are willing to share the manual and perhaps make some music together.

                : Frank

                :
                : : need to buy a tres I am am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its are no books, methods, guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

                : : : I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
                : : : I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
                : : : I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.
                : : i just got back from cuba and happened to have found a tres manual for about 38.00 USD. in it it explains the major chords, the basic rythms, some technique, and a cd to go along with the lessons. so far its helping me though it isnt as easy as i thought. the tuning throws me off a bit given my years of playing guitar. you just have to give this great intrument its respect and learn it from scratch without any arrogance of how well you play guitar!!

                Diego,
                Would you mind telling me the title of the manual you bought. I will be in Cuba in Octobering 2004. In Cuba I’ll look search for it.
                Thank you.

                Max.

                1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
                  SeisCuerdas

                  I sometimes get a hold of the book with the CD. I have sold several on EBAY. The book is from Cuba. Keep an eye out for it. i will be posting it again soon.

              1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
                JOSE L. CARABALLO

                : Hi,

                : Do you know were I could order the Tres Manual w/cd.

                : Raymond

                RAYMOND THERE IS METHOD SOLD IN LA CASALATINA IN NYC I DONT KNOW ABOUT THE CD BUT WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO TUNE AND ALL THE CORDS OF THE TRE.EL FAISAN DE CAROLINA PR

                1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
                  David Silva

                  : :I was recently in Cuba and bought photo copies of a book on the tres, with a CD. The book includes Chord structures as well as montunos and much more. for more information you can contact me directly at my e-mail at [email protected]
                  David

                  : : Do you know were I could order the Tres Manual w/cd.

                  : : Raymond

                  : RAYMOND THERE IS METHOD SOLD IN LA CASALATINA IN NYC I DONT KNOW ABOUT THE CD BUT WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO TUNE AND ALL THE CORDS OF THE TRE.EL FAISAN DE CAROLINA PR

                  1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
                    Juan Oliver

                    : : I live in Spain and is imposible get method for cuban tres. Do you know how to get it or paying the cost you know somebody for sending me it? Many thanks. Yours sincerly Juan

            2. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
              Christian

              Hi. I live in Australia and I have been in love with the tres since i came back from Cuba in 97…(I am still kicking myself for not buying a tres when i was there!!). Since then i have tried to make one out of a guitar but not with much success, so i am experimenting with a 12 string guitar. I would love to find a tres method or something of the sort…i have learnt a bit but all by ear. I have done heaps of looking around but i have found nothing. You mention a method that comes with a CD as well. I would really appreciate if you could send me the name or the web address of the shop that stocks this method or any other information that you would like to share. Thanks!!
              Christian

              1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
                Steve Bloom

                : Hi. I live in Australia and I have been in love with the tres since i came back from Cuba in 97…(I am still kicking myself for not buying a tres when i was there!!). Since then i have tried to make one out of a guitar but not with much success, so i am experimenting with a 12 string guitar. I would love to find a tres method or something of the sort…i have learnt a bit but all by ear. I have done heaps of looking around but i have found nothing. You mention a method that comes with a CD as well. I would really appreciate if you could send me the name or the web address of the shop that stocks this method or any other information that you would like to share. Thanks!!
                : Christian

                Hello Christian, and anyone else that might read this.

                I am a Professional Guitarist and Tres Player in NYC. I took two lessons, one with a friend that studied with Papi Oviedo in Cuba, and another guy that is a Tres Player from Cuba. Basically, what I learned from them is that I was better off learning from CDs by ear. Also, if you transcribe the songs (write them down) you will get a better idea of how the montunos function in the music. My favorite number 1 CD for learning is: Primitivo by Arsenio Rodriguez. The greatest thing is that on some tracks you can move your Left/Right control on the stereo, and take out the voices, and you can hear only the Tres and Percussion, fantastic!!

                Here are some other great Tres CDs WITHOUT piano:
                Encentro entre Soneros – Papi Oviedo Y sus Soneros (Candela)

                The Conga Kings – (Nelson Gonzalez, Tres) Chesky JD 193

                La Cumbancha – El Son Entero (PlayaSound, PS 65220)

                Oro Musical – Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Pineiro (MRX, MXD-2188, this is from a series "Oro Musical")

                Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Pineiro (Crin CD 12043, black/white cover, red letters on top, band around a car)

                Isaac Oviedo – Routes of Rhythm Volume 3 (Rounder CD 5055)

                Raices del Son Cubano Vol. 1 – La Musica de Miguel Matamoros (BMG U.S. Latin 74321-62929-2)

                Luis Frank presents Soneros de Verdad, A Buena Visga: Barrio de la Habana (Timba Records 15875-2)

                Changui, low-class dance. (Traditional Crossroads CD 4290)

                Hope this helps. Any questions, please feel free to email me.

                Good Luck!

                Steve Bloom

                1. Learning to play the Cuban tres in NYC
                  Anonymous

                  Where in NYC can you learn how to play the Cuban tres and can you start from scratch or you need to be at least a beginner guitar player already?

          3. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
            Me

            : : : : I need information in the miami area where or who gives lessons on the cuban tres, Im interested in learning about this grat sounding instrument but i have no clue on how I can get started.

            : :
            : : : : v
            : : : Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.
            : : Dear musician, I also bought a Tres, because I am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its possibilities, to my surprise in spite of how many Cubans there are in Miami, there are no books, methods, or printed music of any kind for the instrumet. What a shame, however since I have been playing guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

            : I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
            : I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
            : I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.

            >>>> I am a Puertorican who also loves the sounds of a tres. http://www.lonestarguitars.com has the most excellent tres out there. Even cutomized electronics.

            I am also looking for Tres Tabs. I heard that you can also use piano progresions for it. I IV V IV

            1. Re: learning how to play the cuban tres guitar
              JOSE L. CARABALLO

              : : : : : I need information in the miami area where or who gives lessons on the cuban tres, Im interested in learning about this grat sounding instrument but i have no clue on how I can get started.

              : : :
              : : : : : v
              : : : : Do you own a tres ? if you do i like your help. I need to buy a tres I am also in love with this fine instrument. How did you buy yours and how much did you paid? thanks.
              : : : Dear musician, I also bought a Tres, because I am also in love with the sound of the instrument and its possibilities, to my surprise in spite of how many Cubans there are in Miami, there are no books, methods, or printed music of any kind for the instrumet. What a shame, however since I have been playing guitar for about 8 years I am cheating my way through the Tres also and learning some chords etc. I live in Miami, if you want we can get together and see what we can come up with.

              : : I have just returned from two magical weeks cycling in Cuba and listening to the tres everywhere!
              : : I wanted to buy one but didnt find one in the shops.
              : : I’d like to buy one and have lessons in the London area.

              : >>>> I am a Puertorican who also loves the sounds of a tres. http://www.lonestarguitars.com has the most excellent tres out there. Even cutomized electronics.

              : I am also looking for Tres Tabs. I heard that you can also use piano progresions for it. I IV V IV

              HEY GUYS I ALSO LIKE THE SOUND OF THE TRES I DO HAVE A TRES. I BOUGHT IT FROM LONE STAR GUITARS COST ME $175.00 & I DONT REGRET IT, I AM A BORICUA AND PLAYED PIANO MONTUNOS WHICH HELP ME TO LEARN THE TRES, I PLAY BY EAR BUT WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IF THE JOB IS ACCOMPLISH. THERE IS A METHOD FOR PLAYING THE TRES IN LA CASA LATINA IN NYC DONE BY A BORICUA WHICH A CAN’T REMEMBER THE NAME RIGHT NOW. GOOD LUCK PEOPLE. AND STAY TUNE.I WROTE AN E_MAIL TO NELSON GONZALES FEW MONTH AGO AND HE TOO WILL HAVE A METHOD FOR TRES AND LET ME TELL YOU NELSON IS THE WINNER OF A GRAMMY I DONT KNOW HOW MANY TIMES PLAYING TRES. HE PLAY WITH PACHECO, PUENTE, CACHAO ETC ETC.. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAT TRES IS A GREAT INSTRUMENT THEY ALSO HAVE A TRES IN PR BUT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND SOUND DIFFERENT TOO. BYE BYE GUYS ( EL FAISAN DE CAROLINA PR)

              1. I sell hand made tres' from Habana
                Christopher

                Greetings Treseros…
                I have what you all have been looking for…the highest quality, hand made Tres from Luthier Jose Miranda Perez.

                These Tres’ are made to order, and take 3 months to prepare. Made of aged Mahogany, Pine, and Cedar, you will not find another like this anywhere in the world. Perfect intonation, incredible sound, its a pity that most cubans cannot afford this masterpiece.

                Conact me at [email protected] for pictures, and details.

                Serious inquiries only please.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Oscar
      Oscar

      I need information in the miami area where or who gives lessons on the cuban tres, Im interested in learning about this grat sounding instrument but i have no clue on how I can get started.

      v

      1. Cuban Tres Tutor
        Earl Lovelace

        I teach the Cubano tres and Guitar and I am based in London but since March 2020 I have been teaching the Cubano Tres and Guitar online. So as long as you have a stable internet connection I can teach you no matter where you are located. I cover Changui, Son, Danzon, Salsa, Bolero, Cha Cha cha and have rearranged popular songs so there can be played on the tres. I use Tab and score pdf documents to assist you with your learning and can supply you with free backing tracks.
        Contact me at [email protected] for more information and bookings

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