Introduction to Mexican Music
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Mariachi Music1
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Mariachi Music
 
Mariachi music is traditional folk music from Mexico that includes five different instruments. Mariachi music was born in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

Mariachi Instruments

The guitarron is the bass of the mariachi and is the most important part of the mariachi. This six string bass guitar is played with two strings at the same time. The guitarrón strings are A, D, G, C, E, and A.
The vihuela is a creation of the Coca Indian of Southwestern Jalisco in Mexico. The vihuela is a five string guitar with a hump back. The vihuela is part of the armonia section of the mariachi. The vihuela strings are A, D, G, B, and E.
The guitarra de golpe is part of the armonia section. It is a fretted instrument like the vihuela and has five strings. The guitarra de golpe strings are: D, G, B, E, and A.
The trumpet is a standard instrument used in the mariachi. A mariachi has one to two trumpets in the band. The trumpets and violins play the melody of the mariachi songs.
The violin is a four stringed instrument tuned in perfect fifths and is played with a bow. The violins and trumpets play the melody in a mariachi song. The strings on a violin are G, D,A , and E.
The guitar is a six stringed instrument and is part of the armonia family in the mariachi. It plays the rhythms of the mariachi in different patterns. Strings on a guitar are: E, A, D, G, B, and E.
What is the mariachi uniform (traje de charro)?
  • Mariachi Uniform – Traje de Charro
  • Jacket – Chaqueta
  • Sombrero – Hat
  • Neck Bow – Moño
  • Pants – Pantalones
  • Boots – Botines de Charro
Where is Mariachi From?



Mariachi music is native to the region of western states of Mexico that include Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, and Colima.
World Famous Mariachi Groups

  • Mariachi Vargas 
  • Mariachi Sol de Mexico 
  • Mariachi Los Comperos 
  • Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles 
  • Mariachi Divas


Mariachi Music Review
  • Mariachi instruments: guitar, vihuela, guitarron, trumpet, violin and guitarra del golpe 
  • Mariachi Uniform or Traje de Charro: sombrero, botas, moño, pantalones, chaleco, chaqueta 
  • Famous Mariachis: Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Mariachi Divas, Mariachi Los Comperos, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles.
  • Mariachi Music: originates from Jalsico, Mexico