What's a Vihuela? Discover More About It Spanish String Instrument Blog
If you're an avid fan of Mariachi, then you're probably familiar with the vihuela. It's a small, guitar-like fretted string instrument which holds a special place in traditional Mexican music. But the original vihuela is in fact made of Spanish origin , and it has not much in common with the vihuela of modern-day Mexico.
The Spanish vihuela is a captivating background that dates back to centuries, beginning with the Spanish Renaissance until it became the mainstay for Mexican Mariachi and the precursor to the Italian the viola.
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What is a Vihuela?
Incredibly, the Mexican vihuela that first came into existence during the 19 first century, has no connection to its eponymous Spanish predecessor. Despite sharing a name and a similar appearance however, the Mexican vihuela was developed by the Coca Indians in Southwestern Jalisco and most closely resembles an Ukulele. (However there is a difference. The Spanish vihuela was able to make it to the west in time and is believed to be the principal inspiration for that of the South American charango and tiple.)
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How Many Strings Does Vihuela's Strings Have?
You'll find 12 vihuela strings in the Spanish version of the stringed instrument. They is divided into six course (pairs of strings that are used together as one). The Mexican vihuela has five strings. Both varieties differ in string material Vihuela strings of the Spanish instrument made from gut, and the strings of the Mexican instrument are made of nylon.
The different types of Spanish Vihuela
There are two primary types of Spanish vihuelas: the mano-style vihuela as well as the vihuela de arco. Despite the name difference however, they're both identical instruments used in two distinct methods:
- Vihuela de Mano:Hand vihuela (played by the fingers)
- Vihuela de Arco:Bow vihuela (played by bow)
A third type, known as the vihuela de penola, is played with a plectrum, also called the guitar pick.
The Spanish vihuela is not frequently played today, at the very least, not in popular Spanish music. The Mexican vihuela remains extremely popular, as do the various other string instruments like lutes that the vihuela has been inspired by through the decades.
Vihuela Music Tutorials and Examples
Since the Spanish vihuela instrument isn't used in modern music, you'll have to look to historical resources for information on how the instrument is played. 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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