The Mexican guitar holds a legendary place in the world of music. Whether it’s the vibrant strumming of a Mariachi band, the smooth grooves of a Son Jarocho performance, or the lively rhythms of Norteño music, the guitar is at the heart of Mexico’s musical soul. Learning how to play Mexican guitar is not just about mastering a musical instrument — it’s about connecting with a rich cultural heritage, filled with emotion, tradition, and passion.
In this complete guide, we will explore everything you need to know about how to play the Mexican guitar, from understanding the different styles, techniques, and tunings, to learning practical steps to get started. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician looking to dive into a new world, this guide will give you the foundation you need to succeed.
Understanding the Mexican Guitar Tradition
Before picking up a guitar, it’s important to appreciate the deep traditions behind Mexican music. Unlike standard Western guitar playing, Mexican guitar music blends influences from Spanish, Indigenous, and African musical cultures.
There are several types of guitars native to Mexican music:
Vihuela: A small, high-pitched guitar used primarily in Mariachi.
Guitarrón: A large bass guitar that provides the deep rhythmic foundation in Mariachi bands.
Jarana: A small guitar-like instrument common in Son Jarocho music.
Requinto: A small, lead guitar often used in Bolero and Trio music.
Each type of guitar serves a unique purpose and requires a slightly different approach. However, many basic principles are shared across all styles.
Choosing the Right Guitar for Mexican Music
Choosing the right guitar is the first step toward mastering Mexican music. While a standard classical guitar can be used to play Mexican songs, using traditional Mexican instruments will give your music an authentic feel.
For Mariachi music: A Vihuela or Guitarrón is preferred. You can also use a standard nylon-string classical guitar for rhythm parts.
For Son Jarocho music: The Jarana is essential.
For Boleros and Trios: A Requinto guitar with a smaller body and a brighter sound is typically used.
If you are just starting, a classical guitar is a great and accessible option. As you advance, you may wish to invest in specialized instruments.
Essential Techniques for Mexican Guitar
Now that you have an instrument, it’s time to focus on technique. Mexican guitar playing is defined by specific methods that set it apart from other styles.
1. Strumming Patterns (Rasgueado)
One of the most important techniques is rasgueado — a percussive strumming method that gives Mexican music its lively rhythm. In rasgueado:
The strumming hand flicks the fingers outwards in rapid succession.
You often use the nails to create a sharper sound.
Rhythms are complex and require a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes.
Practicing rasgueado daily will significantly improve your ability to play authentic Mexican guitar.
2. Fingerpicking
In Bolero, Son Jarocho, and some Regional Mexican styles, fingerpicking is vital. Fingerpicking involves plucking individual strings with your thumb and fingers rather than strumming all at once.
Thumb generally plays bass notes.
Fingers play the melody or harmony.
Use a relaxed hand posture to avoid tension.
3. Percussive Techniques
Mexican guitar often incorporates percussive techniques like tapping the guitar body or slapping the strings for a rhythmic effect. This approach adds an energetic, danceable quality to the music.
Learning Basic Chords for Mexican Guitar
While Mexican songs can be harmonically complex, many traditional pieces use basic chord progressions. Here are some essential chords to learn first:
- A major
- D major
- E major
- G major
- C major
- F major
- B7
Practice switching between these chords smoothly and accurately. Strumming Mexican guitar songs usually involves quick changes, so fluid transitions are critical.
Practicing Rhythmic Precision
Mexican guitar music is heavily rhythm-focused. Whether you are playing a fast-paced ranchera or a slow, emotional bolero, your sense of timing must be rock-solid.
Tips for Improving Rhythm:
Practice with a metronome.
Start slow and gradually increase speed.
Clap out complex rhythms before playing them.
Listen actively to professional Mexican guitarists and mimic their groove.
Mastering Different Mexican Guitar Styles
1. Mariachi Style
In Mariachi, the guitar often plays rhythmic accompaniment with bright, quick strumming patterns. The emphasis is on supporting the vocals and violins with a consistent harmonic and rhythmic base.
Key features:
- Fast rasgueado strumming.
- Strong accents on beats two and four.
- Alternation between major and minor chords.
Practice songs like “El Rey” and “Cielito Lindo” to get the feel of Mariachi guitar.
2. Son Jarocho Style
Son Jarocho music from Veracruz features syncopated rhythms and a lot of improvisation.
Key features:
- Complex rhythmic strumming.
- Syncopated beats.
- Use of Jarana or classical guitar tuned higher than standard.
Songs like “La Bamba” (the original folk version) are great examples.
3. Norteño and Ranchera Styles
Norteño and Ranchera songs often feature steady rhythm patterns suitable for dancing.
Key features:
- Simple chord progressions.
- Strong emphasis on storytelling lyrics.
- Steady down-up strumming.
Practice with songs like “Volver, Volver” to get comfortable with the rhythm.
Exploring Tuning for Mexican Guitar
While standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) is common, many Mexican guitar styles use alternate tunings:
Vihuela Tuning: A-D-G-B-E (like the top five strings of a guitar, but pitched higher).
Requinto Tuning: A fourth higher than standard guitar tuning (A-D-G-C-E-A).
Jarana Tuning: Varies, but often G-C-E-A-G.
Learning to retune your guitar properly is crucial if you want to play authentic Mexican music. A tuner or tuning app can be very helpful for beginners.
Learning Iconic Mexican Guitar Songs
A practical way to improve your skills is to learn traditional songs. Here are a few to start with:
“Cielito Lindo” – A staple of Mariachi.
“La Bamba” – A famous Son Jarocho song.
“El Rey” – Classic ranchera.
“La Malagueña” – A complex, beautiful traditional song.
Start slow, focusing on accuracy before speed. Pay attention to rhythm, phrasing, and dynamics to bring the music to life.
Listening and Studying Great Mexican Guitarists
To master the Mexican guitar, you should immerse yourself in the music. Here are a few legends worth studying:
- Vicente Fernández (ranchera)
- Antonio Aguilar (norteño and ranchera)
- Los Lobos (modern Son Jarocho influences)
- Trío Los Panchos (bolero)
Listening carefully to how they phrase their melodies, how they strum, and how they use rhythm will teach you more than any textbook.
Conclusion
Learning to play the Mexican guitar is a journey rich with rewards. From the first time you master a rasgueado pattern to the moment you lead a lively sing-along at a party, the skills you develop connect you to a living, breathing cultural tradition. The guitar, with its soulful voice, acts as a bridge across time, bringing the heart of Mexico into the hands of every musician willing to learn.
So pick up your guitar, tune it with care, and let the music flow. ¡Viva la música Mexicana!
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