The History of Mariachi Instruments
Mariachi music originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and is now enjoyed around the world. It is a form that's been evolving through Mexican and Spanish cultural change since the 19th century. The origin of the term "Mariachi" still divides experts. Some plausible theories claim the word is derived from a native Jalisco tree, or even a dance stage made from this tree. Other ideas are that it's taken from the Coca Indians' term for a musical group or a festival in honour of the virgin, Maria H.
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Background
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There is no direct progression from the musical instruments used by the indigenous people of Mexico to those of the Mariachi. Mexican instruments were traditionally drums, with flutes and whistles playing the melody. Instruments introduced by the Spaniards, such as harps, violins and guitars were initially used during masses, but were soon adopted as Mariachi instruments. Some Mariachi music caused upset in the Roman Catholic Church due to its satirical content.
Origin
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Mariachi groups comprise European instruments and others that, although European in origin, are considered Mexican due to their development there. European instruments are usually six to eight violins, two trumpets and a guitar. A feature of Mariachi music is its contrast of sound. The violins, for example, provide a sweetness that contrasts sharply with the brilliant blast of trumpets. The Mexican instruments used in Mariachi music are the vihuela, guitarron and Mexican folk harp.
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Vihuela
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The vihuela is a round-backed instrument, similar in appearance to a lute. The Mexican vihuela was designed specifically for Mariachi music and differs from the 16th century European instrument of the same name. It has five strings, tuned to A, D, G, B and E and is played with a thumb-pick in a rasqueado, or strummed, style. The high-pitched vihuela, when played in this style, gives Mariachi music its rhythmic and harmonic foundation.
Guitarron
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Contrasting with the vihuela's crispness, is the guitarron. This bass instrument contributes heavily to the characteristic sound of Mariachi music, and as such is seen as the most important element in the band. Influenced by a 16th century Spanish instrument, the guitarron's body is large and deep, which gives it natural volume and enough bass to stabilise the band. Commonly, three of the six strings used on a guitarron are metal, with the remainder being nylon, though early in its development they were made from animal intestines.
Mexican Folk Harp
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The Mexican folk harp is a versatile instrument, with a harpist able to play bass notes with his left hand and melody notes with his right. It has 36 strings and is constructed of cedar and tacote (a Mexican wood, similar to balsa). Originally a key instrument in Mariachi music, the Mexican folk harp today is seen as a luxury. It wasn't suited to new keys that Mariachi players were incorporating, and became drowned out by additional trumpets and violins. Its large size was also a burden to the mobile Mariachi performer.
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