What Instruments Are Used in Mariachi Music?
Mariachi Music is uniquely associated with Mexican culture. Many observers consider Mariachi music to be an essential element of Mexican life. Like tequila, Mariachi music has made its way across the border, and is enjoyed in many areas of the United States, as well as in Mexico. Mariachi music is played with unique instruments, each of which has its own contribution to the distinctive Mariachi sound.
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Violin
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Violins are played in the same manner for Mariachi music as they are played for any other type of music. Violins are often used to develop the total sound of Mariachi music, and blended in with the sound of other instruments.
Vihuela
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The vihuela is an instrument unique to Mariachi music. It was originally created by the Coca Indians. It has a bowed back and five strings, and is slightly larger than a ukulele. Players strum a vihuela with a thumb pick. It is the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the distinctive Mariachi sound.
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Guitar
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The guitar is played in Mariachi music much as it is played in any popular music genre. It is played in collaboration with the vihuela, and is used to supplement the rhythm of Mariachi music. Nearly all Mariachi bands include guitars.
Guitarron
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A guitarron is another instrument unique to Mariachi music. It forms the bass foundation for the music, and gives Mariachi music its special sound. By many accounts, the guitarron is the single most essential element of Mariachi music.
Trumpet
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The trumpet is also important in Mariachi music. It is played in much the same manner as in other popular music. However, in some instances, cup mutes are used to modulate the sound of trumpets in Mariachi music.
Other Instruments
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Depending on the specific arrangement of Mariachi music, flutes, accordions, French Horns and even organs can be incorporated into Mariachi music. They are usually played in the conventional manner, but are used to contribute to the distinctive Mariachi sound.
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