Mexican vihuela
The Mexican vihuela is a guitar-like string instrument from 19th-century Mexico with five strings and typically played in mariachi groups.
Description
The Mexican vihuela is a small, deep-bodied rhythm guitar built along the same lines as the guitarrón. It is mostly used by mariachi groups. The purpose of the vihuela in a mariachi group is to give a duet of sorts with the Spanish guitar, one having a low tuning while the vihuela has the higher tuning to complement each other. The Mexican vihuela is tuned so that the open G, the D and the A strings are tuned an octave higher than a guitar thus giving it a tenor sound or a higher pitch.Although the Mexican vihuela has the same name as the historical Spanish plucked string instrument, the two are distinct. The Mexican vihuela has more in common with the Timple Canario due to both having five strings and both having vaulted backs. The gauge of the strings and the order in which they are applied is important in producing a soft sound or a punchy bold sound when the instrument is strummed. The optimal spot to strum this instrument is between the sound hole and the point where the fret board or neck meets the body of the instrument. This area is where a pick guard can be installed
This instrument is strummed with all of the fingernail tips to produce a rich, full and clear sound of the chords being played. A finger pick on the pointer finger and or the second and third fingers, gives it a brighter and clearer sound when strummed, which is called a mánico, a reference to the rhythmic patterns. Many vihuela players grow their fingernails on their strumming hand longer to facilitate their playing technique and to get a clear crystal sound.