How to Make Songs for the Mariachis
Mariachi music is the signature sound of Mexico, and mariachi ensembles continue to perform this music today. Writing songs for a mariachi band requires a thorough understanding of the feelings and moods of mariachi music, as well as the instruments involved in a traditional ensemble.
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Things You'll Need
- Mariachi recordings
- Internet connection
- Sheet music
- Music notation software
Instructions
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Listen to the traditional mariachi music of Mexico. You'll be able to find plenty of recordings online, at various music download websites and video sites such as Youtube, or at a record store. Absorbing a variety of mariachi music will allow you to understand the characteristics of the music, including pacing, rhythm, melody and mood.
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Understand the instruments involved in a traditional mariachi ensemble. Many people confuse other Mexican musical styles with mariachi music. Mariachi ensembles usually include violin, guitar, trumpet, guitarrón, vihuela and sometimes harp. The guitarrón is large, six-string acoustic bass. The vihuela is five-string guitar-like instrument similar to the guitarrón with ukulele tuning.
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3
Consider which instruments are included in the specific mariachi group you choose to write for. If you aren't writing songs with a particular ensemble in mind, try to include parts for all instruments normally included in an ensemble. A smaller mariachi group will be able to adapt your piece according to its needs.
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Decide whether you'd like your mariachi piece to be instrumental or sung. Most mariachi songs include a vocalist, often with multiple instrumentalists doubling as vocalists and singing in harmony. The lyrics of mariachi music typically deal with love and affection, though topics such as sadness and longing are sometimes covered. The lyrics you write could be in English, though the majority of mariachi music is written in Spanish.
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Choose a meter for your song. The many variations of mariachi music are grouped into different rhythmic meters. The jarabe and huapango are typically in 6/8 time, while the cumbia and bolero ranchero are usually in 4/4. Perhaps most popular are the mariachi styles in 3/4, such as the valses Mexicanos and corrido. You can review mariachi sheet music to get a sense of your chosen meter.
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Tips & Warnings
Work with a mariachi instrumentalist while writing your songs. This will form a collaborative process between writer and performer that could improve the final result. Music notation software can be the easiest tool for writing out your score.
Don't be afraid to allow your songs to sway from the traditions of mariachi. Experimentation is the heart of musical innovation, and this concept certainly applies to mariachi music.
