Mariachi Music

Mariachi is perhaps the best known Mexican folk music tradition, especially outside of Mexico. The term “Mariachi” refers to a traditional Mexican music ensemble, although it can also be used to describe the musicians themselves. Mariachi music originally comes from Jalisco, a state in Southwestern Mexico. From there, the mariachi tradition spread to the surrounding areas in Central and Western Mexico.

Mariachi is a type of lively, vibrant, rhythmic folk music with a decidedly western feel. Mariachi ensembles play a delightful repertoire of traditional Mexican songs, many of which incorporate a romantic melody and passionate, amorous singing. Mariachi groups most typically perform music in the “ranchera”, “son di mariachi” and “corrido” song forms popular in Mexican music, although new musical forms and new instrumentation have been slowly introduced as mariachi has expanded its reach throughout Mexico.

A number of instruments are used to create the characteristic mariachi sound. A typical mariachi ensemble consists of several violins, one or more trumpets, plus at least three guitars. Every mariachi group needs multiple guitars, and each of the specialized mariachi guitars has its own unique character. Can you identify the three different mariachi guitars?

The guitars used in mariachi music are the “vihuela”, the “guitarron” and the acoustic guitar. A vihuela is a small, high-pitched Mexican guitar with five strings. This instrument can be identified by its ‘vaulted’ (curved) back. The vihuela produces the lively rhythmic vibrancy of mariachi. A guitarron is a deep-voiced acoustic bass guitar. The guitarron serves as the bass of the group; the mariachi ensemble has no drums or other percussion. Like a vihuela, the guitarron has a curved, convex back, but this instrument is much larger – almost the size of a cello! In addition to these two, special Mexican guitars, each mariachi band has a more typical acoustic guitar as well. The classical guitars used for mariachi, however, are usually Mexican-made “Requinto guitars” or the “guitarra de golpe”.

When you see a mariachi band performing, take a closer peek at the guitars the Mariachero musicians use. You’ll be sure to find some fine mariachi guitars like the vihuela, the guitarron and the acoustic guitar.