Guitarra de golpe

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Guitarra De Golpe
Vihuela and guitarra de golpe.jpg
A vihuela (L) and guitarra de golpe (R) being played as part of a Mariachi orchestra.
String instrument
Other names Guitarra Colorada, Quinta De Golpe, Mariachera
Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Developed Jalisco and Michoacán, Mexico
Related instruments
Mexican vihuela, Guitarrón mexicano, Huapanguera, Jarana huasteca, Guitar.
Standard Guitarra De Golpe tuning.

The Guitarra de golpe is a stringed musical instrument from Mexico. It has 5 nylon strings in 5 courses. The headstock usually has a traditional shape that is designed to look like a stylised owl. For a while during the 20th century, the Guitarra De Golpe fell into disuse in traditional Mariachi groups, and was replaced by the Classical guitar. It has now however been revived. It is still an essential part of the "conjuntos de arpa" from Michoacán.

Like the vihuela, it often only has a few frets, but unlike the Vihuela, the frets are made of metal or wood, instead of the vihuela's tied on nylon.

Tuning

Standard Michoacán tuning: D3, G3, C4, E3, A3.

Tecalitlán tuning: D3, G3, B4, E3, A3.

Urbana Arriba tuning: G3, C4, E4, A3, D4.

Urbana Abajo tuning: G3, C4, E3, A3, D4.

Vihuela tuning: A3, D3, G3, B4, E3.

Names

The Guitarra de Golpe has many names.

  • Guitarra de Golpe: Golpe is the name of the strumming pattern used for this and other Mexican instruments.
  • Guitarra Colorada: Translates as 'red guitar'. The literal translation is "colored guitar".
  • Quinta De Golpe: Fifth strum.
  • Mariachera: A reference to Mariachi music.

References