Décima

(Sp.).

A verse form, commonly sung, comprising ten lines (rhyme scheme abbaaccddc), which develops a theme introduced by a quatrain (rhymed abab). Textual material may be set or improvised, religious or secular. In Venezuela décimas are sung in parallel 3rds and accompanied by the cuatro (small four-string guitar) in primary triad harmony to either merengue or joropo rhythms. The décima is common throughout Latin America and is particularly characteristic of Argentine and Chilean payas (payadas), tonos and estilos.

WILLIAM GRADANTE