If youre looking to learn more about the traditional music of Mexico, Corridos, youve come to the right place.
Corridos are a type of folk song that tell stories of Mexican history, culture, and current events.
But what type of guitars are typically used in Corridos? In this in-depth guide, well discuss the different types of guitars used in Corridos, their pros and cons, and how they are used in the genre.
Well also provide examples of Corridos using each type of guitar.
Read on to learn more about the guitars used in Corridos.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Corridos are a type of Mexican music that typically uses a 12-string guitar.
This type of guitar is known as a bajo sexto, and it has six pairs of strings.
Corridos also often use a smaller guitar called a requinto, which has five pairs of strings.
Both of these guitars are traditionally made from materials like cedar and spruce.
What are Corridos?
Corridos are a genre of Mexican folk music that is deeply rooted in the countrys culture and history.
These traditional songs have been around since the 16th century and have been passed down from generation to generation.
Corridos typically tell stories of everyday life, with the lyrics often focusing on topics such as love, politics, and social issues.
The music itself is typically upbeat and accompanied by an acoustic guitar, giving it a unique sound that is both catchy and memorable.
As corridos have become more popular over the years, they have been adapted to include modern instruments such as electric guitars, drums, and synthesizers.
Regardless of the instruments used, the traditional elements of corridos are always present, providing a timeless sound that resonates with both old and new audiences.
What are the Different Types of Guitars?
There are many types of guitars that can be used to play corridos, each one offering a different sound and style.
The most common type is the acoustic guitar, which produces a resonant, mellow sound.
This type of guitar is often made of wood, such as mahogany or spruce, and features a round sound hole in the body.
It produces sound from the vibration of the strings when they are plucked or strummed.
The acoustic guitar is the most traditional type of guitar used for corridos, and is often accompanied by a 12-string guitar, which adds a bright treble sound to the music.
The electric guitar is another type of guitar used for corridos, and it produces a louder, more powerful sound.
Electric guitars typically have solid bodies, and feature pickups and amplifiers that allow for greater control over the sound.
This type of guitar is often used to give a modern take on the traditional corrido sound.
Finally, the classical guitar is another type of guitar used for corridos.
It is typically made of wood, such as cedar or rosewood, and has a wide neck and flat fingerboard.
The classical guitar produces a softer, more mellow sound than the electric or acoustic guitar, and is often used to provide accompaniment to a traditional corrido song.
No matter what type of guitar is used, it is sure to bring a unique and enjoyable sound to any corrido song.
How is the Acoustic Guitar Used in Corridos?
The acoustic guitar is the most commonly used instrument when it comes to playing corridos.
This type of guitar produces a resonant, mellow sound that perfectly complements the traditional nature of the corridos.
The acoustic guitar is usually accompanied by a 12-string guitar, which adds a bright treble sound to the mix.
The combination of both instruments creates a unique and enjoyable sound that is guaranteed to please any listener.
The acoustic guitar is also often used to add different elements to the music.
For instance, it can be used to add a more upbeat tempo to the song.
It can also be used to add a more romantic or passionate sound to the music.
Additionally, the acoustic guitar can be used to add intensity and power to the music, helping to create a more powerful and emotional atmosphere.
When playing a corrido, the acoustic guitar is usually strummed in a repetitive pattern.
This pattern usually consists of up and down strokes that are played at a steady tempo.
This type of strumming helps to create a dance-like rhythm, which is a common characteristic of the traditional corrido music.
Additionally, the acoustic guitar can be used to play fingerpicked solos and melodies, which can add a unique and interesting sound to the song.
The acoustic guitar is an essential part of the traditional corrido sound.
It helps to bring a unique and enjoyable sound to any corrido song, and it can be used to add different elements to the music.
Whether it is used to create a more upbeat tempo, a romantic atmosphere, or an intense and powerful sound, the acoustic guitar is sure to make any corrido song memorable and enjoyable.
How is the 12-String Guitar Used in Corridos?
The 12-string guitar is a unique instrument that adds a bright and treble sound to corridos.
This type of guitar is ideal for traditional Mexican folk songs due to its resonant and mellow tone.
The 12-string guitar is usually played in accompaniment with an acoustic guitar, adding texture and depth to the music.
This combination of instruments is essential for capturing the traditional sound of corridos.
The 12-string guitar is typically tuned to a standard EADGBE tuning, with the strings arranged in pairs.
This allows the guitarist to play two notes at once, resulting in a fuller, richer sound.
The strings are generally strummed with a pick, resulting in a clean and articulate tone.
Additionally, the 12-string guitar can be used to add flourishes or embellishments to the music, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.
When playing corridos, the 12-string guitar is often used to provide a bright, melodic counterpoint to the acoustic guitar.
This allows the music to have a more complex and interesting sound.
Additionally, the 12-string guitar can be used to play subtle harmonizing parts, adding an extra layer of depth to the music.
The 12-string guitar is an essential instrument for corridos, as it helps to capture the traditional sound of Mexican folk music.
When used in combination with the acoustic guitar, the 12-string guitar can help to create a unique and enjoyable sound that is sure to bring a smile to any listener’s face.
How is the Electric Guitar Used in Corridos?
The electric guitar can bring an exciting modern twist to the traditional sound of corridos.
Although it can be used for the main rhythm of the song, it is more often used as a solo instrument.
It can be used to create a more upbeat and dynamic sound, by adding layers of sound with effects pedals such as distortion and delay.
The electric guitar can also be used to create more complex melodies and harmonies, as well as providing a higher level of musicality and technicality.
Electric guitars can be used to create a more modern, electronic sound, as well as providing a louder, more powerful sound.
When used in conjunction with an acoustic guitar, the electric guitar can help to give the corridos a more contemporary feel.
Pros and Cons of Each Guitar Type
When it comes to selecting the type of guitar for a corrido, there are many factors to consider, each with its own set of pros and cons.
The acoustic guitar is the most traditional choice, and it provides a warm, mellow tone that is well suited to the genre.
On the downside, it can be difficult to amplify an acoustic guitar in larger venues, and its sound may be too subtle for some.
A 12-string guitar adds a bright treble sound to the mix, and its range of notes and textures is great for creating intricate and interesting melodies.
However, the strings can be difficult to play, and the sound can be too bright for some listeners.
Electric guitars offer a modern take on the traditional corrido sound, bringing a powerful, punchy tone to the mix.
However, they can be difficult to mic in larger venues, and the sound can be too aggressive for some.
Ultimately, it is up to the performer to decide which type of guitar is the best fit for their style and their audience.
Examples of Corridos Using Each Guitar Type
When it comes to corridos, the type of guitar used can greatly affect the overall sound of the song.
Acoustic guitars are most commonly used for their mellow, resonant sound, while 12-string guitars can add a bright treble to the song.
Electric guitars are used to add a more modern take on the traditional sound.
Here are some examples of corridos using each type of guitar.
For acoustic guitar, one of the most popular corridos is La Cucaracha.
This traditional Mexican song is often played on acoustic guitar and features a catchy, upbeat rhythm.
Another popular corrido played on acoustic guitar is La Bamba, which features a more melancholic and slower tempo.
When it comes to 12-string guitar, one of the most popular corridos is El Corrido de Monterrey.
This corrido features a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm driven by the 12-string guitar and is sure to get your feet moving.
Another popular corrido played on 12-string guitar is El Corrido de Chihuahua, which has a slower, more melancholic feel.
Finally, electric guitars are often used to give corridos a more modern sound.
One of the most popular corridos played on electric guitar is El Corrido de Durango.
This song features a faster tempo and a more driving sound, thanks to the electric guitar.
Another popular electric guitar corrido is El Corrido de Sinaloa, which has a slower, more melancholic feel.
No matter what type of guitar is used, corridos are sure to bring a unique and enjoyable sound to any song.
Whether its the mellow, resonant sound of an acoustic guitar, the bright treble of a 12-string guitar, or the modern sound of an electric guitar, corridos are sure to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of guitar is used, the instrument is sure to bring a unique and enjoyable sound to any corrido song.
The acoustic guitar and 12-string guitar provide a traditional sound, while the electric guitar adds a modern twist.
Each type of guitar has its own pros and cons, and its up to the musician to decide which type they prefer.
Now that you know what type of guitars are used for corridos, why not give them a try? You might be surprised at how much you like the sound!