When people picture traditional Mexican music, the sound of a bright, rhythmic strum is often the first thing that comes to mind. This distinct timbre comes from a specific family of instruments that are central to the country's folk heritage. If you are trying to identify what a Mexican guitar is called, the answer depends on the specific size, shape, and role within the ensemble. From the massive bass of the guitarón to the delicate strings of the requinto, the terminology varies based on regional traditions and musical context.
The Core Family: Guitarrón and Standard Guitars
At the heart of most Mexican folk music, particularly mariachi, lies the foundational bass instrument known as the guitarrón mexicano. Unlike the standard guitars most people are familiar with, this instrument is massive and provides the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of the group. It is so large that the player must sit on it to stabilize the sound while plucking the strings. This physical distinction is the primary reason the question "what is a Mexican guitar called" does not have a single, simple answer, as the visual difference is immediately apparent.
Defining the Modern Standard
In the modern context, when someone asks about a Mexican guitar, they are often referring to a standard guitar or a close variant. These instruments typically feature a deep, round back and a sound hole decorated with a stylized maguey plant, which is native to Mexico. This specific aesthetic design helps distinguish them from classical or flamenco guitars. They are used extensively in genres like son jarocho and norteño, providing the main melodic and chordal framework for the music.
Variations in Size and Role
The diversity within Mexican guitar types becomes clear when looking at the size spectrum. On one end, you have the massive guitarrón, which serves as the acoustic bass. On the other end, there are smaller, higher-pitched instruments that handle the lead melodies. The terminology changes based on this function, with names like requinto or guitarra de golpe appearing in specific regional styles. Understanding these variations is key to answering what a Mexican guitar is accurately called in a musical setting.
The Requinto and Other Specialized Types
In mariachi bands, the lead guitar role is often filled by a smaller instrument called a requinto mexicano. This guitar is tuned higher than the standard guitars in the group, allowing it to cut through the ensemble and play intricate solos. Another specialized type is the guitarra de golpe, which is used in genres like conjunto jarocho. Its name literally translates to "hit guitar," referring to the percussive technique used to strike the body while playing.
Regional Differences and Terminology
The geography of Mexico plays a significant role in the naming of these instruments. In the northern states, the music often features the guitarra de arco, or violin, but the guitarra de son is the standard chordophone. In the coastal regions, the son jarocho style utilizes the requinto and the larger guitarra de son. Therefore, the answer to "what is a Mexican guitar called" must consider the specific musical tradition being referenced.
