The most moving and heartfelt cante and toque of all the Tangos, Tientos is unique among Tangos by its distinguishing compas, as well as its somber themes. ‘Tiento,’ Spanish for ‘touch,’ touches its hearers’ hearts with its profound emotion. Most likely, Tientos emerged from the Spanish cities of Cadiz and Sevilla, eventually becoming popular throughout Andalusia.
Guitarists play Tientos in the por medio position (the Phrygian mode based on A). The chords follow coplas of the cante in assorted falsetas, as well as employing traditional Flamenco chord progressions. Singers often end their Tientos performance with flair, choosing a faster-paced Tangos to liven the audience.
A basic form of Flamenco rhythm, usually in 4/4 or 2/4 time, Tangos are not related to the Latin-American tango whatsoever. Among Tangos, the least weighty is the Tanguillos – light, melodious folk-songs and dances in 6/8 time. These lilting pieces are particularly associated with Cadiz. There is a large variety of Tangos, including tangos flamencos, tangos gitanos, and tangos (or tientos) canasteros. A few styles share common elements with the Zambras. For example, the Gitanos from the Spanish city Granada play a type of music called the Zambras del Sacromonte. The Gitanos set these pieces to the rhythm of slow Tangos.