ABOUT
I nstruments Part of what makes the sound of mariachi music distinct is the combination of instruments used in the ensemble, with each instrument having a different role that contributes to the group sound.
MELODIC INSTRUMENTS
RHYTHMIC INSTRUMENTS
BASS INSTRUMENTS
The violin and trumpet are the melodic
The guitar and vihuela add the rhyth-
The guitarr贸n and harp are the bass in-
instruments in a mariachi ensemble.
mic strumming of chords to the sound
struments used in mariachi. A guitarr贸n
Usually one violin will play a single
of mariachi. A vihuela is a five-stringed
is essentially a large version of a vihuela
melody line while a second violin plays
instrument that looks similar to a small
with a much deeper sound, and it also
another melody to create harmony. Two
guitar with a swollen, v-shaped back. It
originates from Jalisco. Many mariachi
trumpets will often do the same, harmo-
is an instrument unique to the Mexican
groups no longer use harp because of its
nizing with each other and strengthen-
state of Jalisco.
harmonic limitations and instead have
ing the violin melody. The ensemble also
replaced it with the more convenient
typically includes vocalists, who use their
guitarr贸n, but Mariachi Vargas de Teca-
voice as their instrument.
litl谩n continues to use it because of its traditional significance.
16
UMS 10-11