Classification String instrument | ||
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Other names Mexican Vihuela, Vihuela Mexicano Hornbostel–Sachs classification (Composite chordophone) | ||
The Mexican vihuela is a guitar-like string instrument from 19th-century Mexico with five strings and typically played in mariachi groups.
Mexican vihuela
Although the Mexican vihuela has the same name as the historic Spanish plucked string instrument, the two have little to do with each other, and are not related. The Mexican vihuela has more in common with the Timple Canario (see: timple) due to both having five strings and both having vaulted (convex) backs. The Mexican vihuela is a small, deep-bodied rhythm guitar built along the same lines as the guitarrón. The Mexican vihuela is used by mariachi groups, most notably in central Jalisco, Mexico. It is played with fingers (can also be played with a pick that is put on your first finger) strumming open chords on the fretted part of the neck.