What is a Vihuela? Get More Info about it Spanish Vihuela Blog on Strings

Jun 30, 2022

If you're a huge lover of Mariachi or the Mariachi group and you're familiar with the vihuela. It's a small guitar-like string instrument that has a distinct place in music from the traditional Mexican music. However, the original vihuela it is actually of Spanish origins and doesn't share much with modern vihuelas. Mexico.

The Spanish vihuela offers a fascinating backdrop that goes back decades, starting with Spanish Renaissance until it became the primary instrument for Mexican Mariachi and also the precursor to the Italian the viola.

What exactly is what exactly is what is a Vihuela?

It's amazing to note that it is amazing that the Mexican vihuela that first emerged during the 19 first century, does not have any connection to its famed Spanish predecessor. Although they share a similar appearance and name the Mexican vihuela was developed by its native people known as known as the Coca Indians in Southwestern Jalisco and has the most resemblance to the Ukulele. (However there's a distinct different. It is believed that the Spanish vihuela could traverse to the west during time and is thought to be the main source of inspiration of the South American charango and tiple.)

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How many Vihuela's Strings Are there?

The Vihuela string has 12 in the Spanish variant of this instrument, which has strings. The strings are separated into six courses (pairs of strings that are joined as one). The Mexican vihuela is equipped with five strings. There are two variations with respect to the material used for the strings. Vihuela strings from the Spanish instrument, are composed of gut, and the strings of the Mexican instrument are made of nylon.

The different types of Spanish Vihuela

There are two main types of Spanish vihuelas: the mano-style vihuela, and the vihuela of arco. However, despite their differences in their names, they're the same instruments that are used in two distinct methods:

  • Vihuela de Mano:Hand vihuela (played through the fingers)
  • Vihuela de Arco:Bow vihuela (played by bow)

The third type, also called"the vihuela de penola, is played with the plectrum. This is referred to as"the guitar pick.

The Spanish vihuela isn't often used in the present, or at least, not in the popular Spanish music. The Mexican vihuela continues to be highly desired, as are the other instruments of string, like the lute that the vihuela has been influenced by over the decades.

Vihuela Music Tutorials and Examples

As the Spanish vihuela instruments don't feature in contemporary music, it's necessary to go to the past for details about how this instrument was utilized. Famous examples include Los seys libros del Delphin by Luis de Narvaez (1538) and Libro de Musica de Vihuela by Diego Pisador (1552),

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