Mexican music is globally celebrated for its vibrant rhythms and rich cultural expression, and at the heart of many iconic sounds are unique Mexican Music Instruments. Among these, the Vihuela Mexicana stands out as a vital component, particularly in Mariachi music. This instrument, often mistaken for a small guitar, possesses distinct characteristics that contribute significantly to the energetic and soulful soundscapes of Mexico.
What is the Vihuela Mexicana?
The Vihuela Mexicana is a traditional stringed instrument integral to Mariachi ensembles. Visually, it bears a resemblance to the Guitarrón, another essential Mexican instrument, but is notably smaller in size. While it might appear similar to a guitar, the Vihuela Mexicana is tuned and played differently, producing a tenor guitar-like sound that is bright and resonant. One of its most distinguishing features is its convex back, affectionately known in Spanish as “la joroba,” meaning “the hump.” The headstock of the vihuela is equipped with tuning mechanisms that can be either metal machine heads or traditional wooden pegs, called las clavijas, allowing for precise adjustments to string tension and pitch.
Tuning and Strings of the Vihuela
The Vihuela Mexicana features five strings and its tuning shares similarities with the guitar, yet with a key difference that defines its unique sonic character. Specifically, the G, D, and A strings are tuned an octave higher than their counterparts on a standard guitar. This higher tuning is what gives the vihuela its characteristically bright and elevated pitch, allowing it to cut through the ensemble sound without overpowering other instruments.
The choice of strings for the Vihuela Mexicana is crucial and can significantly influence the instrument’s tone. Typically, monofilament nylon strings are used, but some players prefer nylon wound strings for certain tonal qualities. The tension and gauge of the strings, as well as the order in which they are applied, are carefully considered to achieve the desired sound. These choices enable musicians to tailor the vihuela’s sound, ranging from a mellow and soft timbre to a punchy and bold projection, particularly when strumming.
The Strumming Technique: “Mánico”
Playing the Vihuela Mexicana involves a distinctive strumming technique known as mánico. This technique utilizes all the fingernail tips to strike the strings, producing a rich, full, and clear sound that is characteristic of the instrument. For an even brighter and more articulate sound, some players employ a finger pick, referred to as “la púa,” on their pointer finger (dedo índice). Many dedicated vihuela players cultivate longer fingernails on their strumming hand, a practice that enhances their playing technique and contributes to achieving a crystal-clear tone.
The optimal area for strumming the Vihuela Mexicana to achieve the best sound is located between the sound hole and the point where the fretboard or neck joins the body of the instrument. This linear area, situated between the upper and lower bouts and closest to the fingerboard, provides the ideal resonance and tonal output when strummed. Interestingly, the frets on the Vihuela Mexicana are traditionally made of tightly tied nylon string, a testament to the instrument’s handcrafted and artisanal nature.
Function of the Vihuela in Mariachi Music
In Mariachi music, the Vihuela Mexicana is not typically used for playing melodic lines. Instead, it is primarily considered a stringed chordal instrument, fulfilling a crucial rhythmic role within the ensemble. The vihuela serves as the secondary rhythmic support instrument, working in tandem with the Guitarrón to provide the foundational rhythmic structure. Together with the guitar, the Vihuela Mexicana and Guitarrón are often collectively referred to as the rhythm section, or “las armonías,” of the Mariachi band.
The Vihuela Mexicana is instrumental in providing and maintaining the tonality for the entire ensemble, establishing the preferred pitch and harmonic context for the music. Its syncopated pulse and rhythmic drive, combined with the deeper tones of the Guitarrón and the harmonic foundation of the guitar, create the signature sound of Mariachi music. Historically, the Vihuela Mexicana held a special place as the preferred instrument among mariachi musicians in central Jalisco, a region widely recognized as the heartland of Mariachi tradition.
