What Is a Quena?

The quena may not be the most well-known instrument in North America, but it is one of the most-popular ones in the Southern continents.

What is a quena?

The quena is a wooden or bamboo flute that comes from the Andean Mountain region of South America. Its origins date back to Incan times when it was considered to be a sacred instrument. It produces a beautiful tone, most of the time lower than that produced by metal flutes.

When is the quena played?

Many times, the quena is played solo. At festivals and other large events, though, it is played in combination with other instruments.

Who plays the quena?

Musicians and still-existing indigenous groups in Colombia, Bolivia and as far as Paraguay still play the quena today. Many people craft their own quenas as their ancestors did before them.

How to choose your quena

Some quena have five holes, some seven, but the average number of holes is six. There is also the quenacho, which is a longer quena and has a U-shaped end. Consider what is important to you in choosing your quena, whether it be the look, the style or your ability to grip it well. Also, make sure your quena is not too cheaply priced as this is an indicator of poor quality and inferior materials. Quenas should be made of bamboo, not other materials.

How to play the quena

Each hole on the quena makes a different note. Cover the hole on the bottom of the quena with your thumb. Play around with it at first. See what notes and sounds you get covering different holes. This is music which comes from the inner person, not usually sheet music, which is not to say that structured songs and music do not exist for the quena, but that this is not what the quena is meant for.

Listen to quena music often and try to imitate the notes. Once you have mastered making a few notes, try to combine them to make basic patterns. Eventually, you will be able to play songs. Check to make sure your fingers are always completely covering the holes. If you are still having trouble with notes, buy a tuner which will detect if you are making an actual note or if your pitch is sharp or low.