Requinto Musical Instrument Facts

Requinto Instrument Summary

The Requinto is a traditional Mexican string guitar instrument, known for its bright, clear sound and smaller size compared to a standard guitar. It typically has six nylon strings and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The requinto is a key instrument in various Mexican folk music genres, particularly in bolero and mariachi music, admired for its ability to play both melodic lines and rhythmic accompaniment.

Detailed Instrument Description

Instrument Name	Requinto
Instrument Family	String
Alternative Names	The requinto is commonly known by this name across Mexico, though in some regions it may simply be referred to as a “small guitar” or “guitarrillo.”
Geographical Presence	The requinto is primarily played in Mexico, especially in regions where bolero and mariachi music are prevalent. It is also used in other Latin American countries and has gained recognition globally in world music ensembles.
Instrument Classification	The requinto falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.322, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. This system classifies musical instruments based on how they produce sound, with the requinto classified as a chordophone where sound is produced by vibrating strings.
Unique Features	The requinto is known for its smaller body size and higher pitch compared to a standard guitar. It typically has six nylon strings, and the body is often made from cedar, mahogany, or rosewood. The instrument is tuned higher than a standard guitar, which gives it a bright and clear sound, ideal for playing lead melodies in ensemble settings. The requinto’s compact size makes it easier to play fast, intricate passages.
Sound Characteristics	The requinto produces a bright, clear, and resonant sound. Its tone is sharp and penetrating, making it suitable for playing melodic lines that stand out in ensemble settings. The instrument is also capable of producing rhythmic strumming patterns, adding to its versatility in various musical contexts.
Typical Music Genres	The requinto is used primarily in bolero, mariachi, and other Mexican folk music genres. It is also featured in Latin American music, including genres like trova and nueva canción, and occasionally in contemporary and fusion music.
Components	Body, Neck, Fingerboard, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Plectrum
Construction	The requinto typically has a wooden body made from materials such as cedar, mahogany, or rosewood. The neck and fingerboard are also made from hardwoods, and the instrument features a soundboard designed to enhance its resonant, bright tone. The strings are usually made of nylon, and the tuning pegs are used to adjust the pitch of each string. The instrument is often decorated with traditional Mexican motifs or inlays.
Size and Weight	The requinto generally measures around 50 to 70 centimeters (20 to 28 inches) in length. The weight can vary between 1 to 2 kilograms (2.2 to 4.4 pounds), depending on the materials used.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the requinto include different body shapes and sizes, as well as customizations in the types of wood and decorations used. Some requintos may have additional strings or modified tuning systems to suit specific musical styles. Customizations might also include built-in pickups for amplification or unique inlay designs.
Instrument History	The requinto has its origins in Spain and was brought to Mexico during the colonial period, where it evolved into the instrument known today. It became an integral part of Mexican folk music, particularly in the bolero and mariachi traditions. The requinto has been a key instrument in Latin American music for centuries, continuously evolving in design and playing techniques.
Similar Types of Instrument	Guitar, Charango, Vihuela
Playing Technique	The requinto is played by holding it upright and plucking or strumming the strings with a plectrum or fingers. Techniques include rapid strumming patterns, fingerpicking, and playing melodic lines. Proper technique involves fretting the strings with the left hand and strumming or plucking with the right hand to produce clear, resonant tones. The higher tuning of the requinto allows for bright, crisp notes that are often used to play lead melodies in ensemble settings.
Notable Composers	Agustín Lara, Armando Manzanero, José Alfredo Jiménez
Famous Works	Agustín Lara’s “Granada,” Armando Manzanero’s “Contigo Aprendí,” José Alfredo Jiménez’s “El Rey”
Maintenance	Regular maintenance includes cleaning the instrument, tuning the strings, and occasionally replacing strings. The requinto should be kept in a case or on a stand to protect it from environmental changes and physical damage. Proper humidity levels should be maintained to prevent cracking of the wood and to preserve the quality of the soundboard.
Learning Difficulty	Moderate; the requinto requires coordination to manage different strumming and finger techniques simultaneously. Learning proper hand positioning, chord structures, and music reading are essential for effective playing. The higher tuning and smaller size may require adjustments for players accustomed to standard guitars.
Prominent Players	Los Panchos, Alfredo Gil, Chucho Navarro
Notable Performances	Notable performances include concerts by prominent bolero and mariachi groups at major venues and festivals worldwide, such as the International Mariachi Conference in Guadalajara and performances by Los Panchos.
Famous Orchestras/Bands	Prominent ensembles featuring the requinto include Los Panchos, Trio Los Dandys, and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
Price Range	Requintos range from $150 to $1,500 or more, depending on the craftsmanship, materials, and features.