The Mexican vihuela ( [biˈwe.la] ) is a string instrument similar to a guitar that was created in Mexico during the 1800s. It has five strings and is often played by mariachi musicians.

Description

The Mexican vihuela is a small, deep-bodied rhythm guitar built in a way similar to the guitarrón. It is mainly used by mariachi groups. In a mariachi group, the vihuela works with the Spanish guitar to create a pair of sounds. The Spanish guitar has a low tuning, while the vihuela has a higher tuning to help the two instruments complement each other. The vihuela is tuned so that the open G, D, and A strings are an octave higher than a regular guitar, giving it a tenor sound or a higher pitch.

Although the Mexican vihuela shares its name with the historical Spanish plucked string instrument, they are different. The Mexican vihuela is more similar to the Timple Canario because both have five strings and curved (convex) backs. The thickness of the strings and the order in which they are placed affect the sound produced when the instrument is strummed. The best place to strum the vihuela is between the sound hole and where the fretboard meets the body of the instrument. This area is also where a pick guard can be added, located in the same linear space between the upper and lower parts of the instrument closest to the fingerboard.

The vihuela is played by striking the strings with the tips of the fingernails to create a rich, full, and clear sound from the chords. Using a finger pick (called la púa) on the pointer finger or the second and third fingers produces a brighter, clearer sound when strummed. This technique is called mánico, a reference to the rhythmic patterns. Many vihuela players grow their fingernails longer on their strumming hand to improve their playing technique and achieve a clear, crystal-like sound.

Notes and tuning

The vihuela has five nylon strings that are tuned in a special way called reentrant tuning. Its tuning is similar to the first five strings of a guitar, but the third, fourth, and fifth strings are one octave higher than usual.

Tuning: A3, D4, G4, B3, E4 – The A, D, and G strings are tuned one octave above the same strings on a guitar.