How the Beguine Bass Can Transform Your Piano Playing
- Diana Mascari
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
My adult piano students often ask several questions when I tell them about this unique style of left-hand accompaniment called the Beguine Bass.
Because of this, I thought that you may be wondering about the same things.
How is the word beguine pronounced?
What does beguine signify in music?
What is the connection between beguine and basslines?
Why is this beguine bass pattern considered transformative?
What are some of the benefits of incorporating the beguine bass into your playing?
How is the word Beguine pronounced?
I’ve rarely met a piano student who gets the pronunciation of the word beguine right on their first try. This may be because many of us in the baby boomer generation were born after 1945, and Cole Porter’s Begin the Beguine—written in 1935—predates our familiarity with this classic.
Having spent years playing music from the Great American Songbook, I’m well-acquainted with this Cole Porter standard and the correct pronunciation of its title. Now it’s your turn: beguine is pronounced buh-GEEN (rhymes with "seen"). Don’t worry—practice it a few times, especially when no one’s around to listen!
Once you’ve got it down, you can truly appreciate Cole Porter’s brilliant wordplay in the title of one of his most iconic songs: Begin the Beguine.
What does beguine signify in music?
The beguine is a dance style and musical rhythm with strong Caribbean roots. In ballroom dancing, it provides the perfect accompaniment for the rumba and other Latin-inspired dances, captivating performers with its distinctive charm and elegance.
Although only a handful of my adult piano students have experience with ballroom dancing—and absolutely love it—I know most of you haven’t had the chance to explore this wonderful world. That’s why I want to highlight the beguine’s connection to dance, as it offers valuable insight into its musical context.
Whether you’re moving in harmony with its captivating rhythm, or playing the beguine bass accompaniment on the piano, this style radiates an infectious energy. Beyond its catchy rhythm, the beguine invites you to tap into your creativity and self-expression, making it a truly engaging musical experience.
What is the connection between beguine and basslines?
One evening, while performing as a solo pianist at the Sheraton Boston, I decided, as I often did after my set, to walk over to the Copley Plaza Hotel to hear the legendary Dave McKenna play solo piano. To my surprise, that night, McKenna was replaced by a substitute pianist named Jimmy Lyon (1921–1984). Though I wasn’t familiar with him at the time, Lyon had a remarkable reputation, having spent years performing at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where he played Cole Porter’s very own Steinway Grand Piano. Lyon was widely regarded as an expert interpreter of Cole Porter’s music.
That evening, Lyon’s solo piano rendition of Cole Porter’s Begin the Beguine left a profound impression on me. I had been searching for a left-hand accompaniment pattern to provide a stronger foundation for songs with a Latin rhythm, and Lyon’s interpretation was exactly what I needed. Inspired by his performance, I began incorporating this pattern into my repertoire. The more I used this pattern in my solo piano performances, the more I realized how effective it was. From then on, it became an essential part of what I teach my adult piano students, helping them unlock the captivating rhythms and expressive potential of Latin-inspired music.
Diana Mascari's Lesson on the Beguine Bass Accompaniment Style
Why is this beguine bass pattern considered transformative?
The beguine bass pattern is transformative because of its rhythmic energy and remarkable versatility, making it a valuable tool across various musical genres. Originally rooted in the beguine dance rhythm, this bass pattern creates a smooth, syncopated groove that propels music forward with a sense of flow. In timeless standards from the Great American Songbook—such as Cole Porter’s I Love Paris and I’ve Got You Under My Skin, as well as Where or When and others, the beguine bass adds a vibrant Latin flavor while maintaining a light yet steady pulse that breathes vitality into these songs.
A few years ago, I arranged I Could Have Danced All Night with a beguine bass accompaniment for my students. In addition to playing it for them during their lessons, I wanted them to hear another rendition of the song. Being old enough to remember Chubby Checker, the man who popularized the twist, his recording of I Could Have Dance All Night came to mind. While the accompaniment reflects the early 1960s style, I realized that, if slowed down, it could easily lend itself to a beguine bass accompaniment instead.
Adapting the Beguine Bass to Pop Tunes and Music from Broadway Shows
The beguine bass is truly remarkable because of its adaptability. While commonly associated with jazz and Latin music, it seamlessly enhances pop songs like Yesterday by The Beatles, Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King, and José Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad. Whether applied to slow ballads or more upbeat tunes, it injects rhythmic interest and energy into music at any tempo.
Using the Beguine Bass for Composing
Beyond performance, the beguine bass provides a simple yet effective foundation for composition. I’ve even used it in my own works, including three saxophone quartets, a flute sonata and a piece for cello and piano. For those learning to compose, starting with the beguine bass as an accompaniment pattern and layering a melody on top is an excellent way to experiment with harmony and rhythm. Its ability to transform a basic musical idea into something dynamic and expressive makes the beguine bass an essential tool for both piano students and composers alike. Sonata for Cello and Piano-1st Movement: Beguine
Composed by Diana Mascari
What are some of the benefits of incorporating the beguine bass into your piano playing?
Adding the beguine bass to your piano repertoire can enhance your music with rhythmic flair and emotional depth. Here’s how this Latin-inspired rhythm can transform your playing:
Cultural Connection - The beguine rhythm ties you to rich musical traditions, deepening your appreciation for cultural heritage and history.
Rhythmic Creativity - You can explore syncopation and dynamic contrasts to develop your timing and groove, creating an emotionally engaging performance.
Versatility in Interpretation - The adaptable beguine style lets you reimagine familiar pieces, inspiring creative arrangements and improvisation.
Dance-Inspired Flow - Rooted in movement, the beguine bass brings a sense of fluidity to your playing, making performances dynamic and captivating.
Technical Mastery - Balancing a steady left-hand bassline with melodic embellishments in the right hand sharpens your coordination and builds confidence.
Personal Expression - The improvisatory nature of the beguine allows you to make each performance uniquely yours, showcasing your individuality.
Audience Connection - When you play songs with the beguine bass, you’ll find that this and other dance rhythms naturally resonate with listeners, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere that strengthens your connection with your audience. I’ve experienced this connection quite often over the years.
By embracing the beguine bass, you’ll not only refine your technique but also enrich your performances with energy and emotion.
Conclusion
Although you might initially see the beguine bass as just another accompaniment pattern for piano, I hope you’ve come to recognize its deeper potential. Beyond its slightly unconventional charm, the beguine bass offers incredible musical versatility, serving as a solid foundation for standards from the Great American Songbook, pop hits, holiday tunes, folk songs, and Broadway favorites.
More than that, the beguine style carries emotional depth, inspiring expressive musical performances. Its rhythmic flow and cultural richness invite exploration and creativity.
While coordinating a right-hand melody with the left-hand beguine bass accompaniment can be challenging, I encourage you to persevere. The effort is well worth it, unlocking a world of musical and personal growth.
About Diana Mascari - Piano Teacher for Adults
Diana Mascari has taught piano to hundreds of adults and children for more than 46 years.
She holds two Masters of Music degrees from New England Conservatory and taught keyboard harmony to music majors while pursuing doctoral studies at Boston University. She was the music director for a multi-cultural Presbyterian Church for four decades, and her jazz and classical compositions have been performed worldwide. Diana has been performing for more than 50 years. From solo jazz piano to commercial groups touring the East Coast to leading her own jazz ensembles at colleges and jazz clubs throughout New England.
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