Cuban Tres Sample Library (Free Version)

Introducing the Cuban Tres Sample Library (Free Version)—a sample set capturing the distinctive sound of the Cuban tres, recorded up to the 5th fret for an earlier project. This library includes four velocity layers, allowing for expressive playback, though it currently lacks round-robin samples. It’s available as a free download, with a .gig version included.

The Cuban tres is primarily a rhythm instrument, adding melodic fills that strengthen the main melody, often with intervals of a 3rd or a 6th. This makes it unique compared to the guitar, as the tres focuses on rhythmic phrasing rather than chordal strumming.

I’m working on a more comprehensive version that will include MIDI patterns of common Cuban tres rhythms. Meanwhile, enjoy this introductory version and let me know if you use it in any projects—I’d love to see it in action! To learn more about the Cuban tres, click here.