Viola Caipira Musical Instrument Facts

Viola Caipira Instrument Summary

The Viola Caipira is a traditional Brazilian string instrument known for its bright, resonant sound. It is typically used in Brazilian folk and country music, especially in the sertanejo and música caipira genres.

The instrument has ten strings arranged in five courses, which are played in pairs, similar to a 12-string guitar. The Viola Caipira holds a special place in Brazilian culture, symbolizing rural life and traditional music.

Detailed Instrument Description

Instrument Name	Viola Caipira
Instrument Family	String
Alternative Names	The Viola Caipira is also known as “Viola Sertaneja” or simply “Viola” in some regions of Brazil. It is sometimes referred to as “Brazilian viola” to distinguish it from other types of violas.
Geographical Presence	The Viola Caipira is primarily played in Brazil, particularly in rural areas where música caipira (Brazilian country music) and sertanejo are popular. It is also played in parts of Portugal and other regions with Brazilian communities.
Instrument Classification	The Viola Caipira falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.322, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. This classification applies to string instruments where the sound is produced by plucking the strings, with the Viola Caipira being a prominent example in Brazilian folk music.
Unique Features	The Viola Caipira is characterized by its ten steel strings, arranged in five pairs or courses. The courses are usually tuned in octaves or unisons, which gives the instrument its bright, rich sound. The body is smaller than a typical guitar, and the instrument often features ornate decorations, with intricate carvings or painted designs.
Sound Characteristics	The Viola Caipira produces a bright, clear, and resonant sound that is well-suited for Brazilian folk music. The paired strings create a rich, layered tone, and the tuning allows for a wide variety of harmonics and melodic possibilities. The sound is often described as lively and full, with a distinct twang that complements the rhythmic and melodic structure of sertanejo music.
Typical Music Genres	The Viola Caipira is used primarily in música caipira and in sertanejo, popular forms of Brazilian country music. It is also featured in religious music, especially in rural church traditions, and has been incorporated into some modern Brazilian popular music.
Components	Body, Neck, Fingerboard, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Bridge
Construction	The Viola Caipira is typically made from a variety of woods, including cedar, mahogany, and rosewood, depending on the region and the maker. The body is smaller than a classical guitar, with a narrow waist and a more pronounced curve. The neck is shorter, and the instrument has ten steel strings arranged in five courses. The tuning pegs are used to adjust the pitch of the strings, and the instrument is often decorated with traditional Brazilian motifs or intricate carvings.
Size and Weight	The Viola Caipira generally measures around 90 to 100 centimeters (35 to 39 inches) in length. The weight can vary between 1 and 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3 pounds), depending on the materials used for construction.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the Viola Caipira include differences in body size, shape, and the number of strings, with some versions featuring 12 strings in six courses. Customizations often include ornate decorations, painted designs, or inlays on the fingerboard or body.
Instrument History	The Viola Caipira has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, where similar instruments were played in Portugal and Spain. It was brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers in the 16th century and quickly became a symbol of rural life and traditional music. Over the centuries, the instrument evolved into the Viola Caipira, taking on a distinct role in traditional Brazilian folk music and becoming an integral part of the country’s musical identity.
Similar Types of Instrument	Portuguese Viola, Classical Guitar, 12-String Guitar
Playing Technique	The Viola Caipira is played by plucking or strumming the strings, similar to a guitar. The player typically uses a plectrum or their fingers to strum the paired strings, creating a full, resonant sound. The instrument’s tuning allows for a wide range of harmonic and melodic possibilities, and its short neck makes it easier to play fast passages and intricate melodies. Fingerpicking techniques are also commonly used, especially in solo performances.
Learning Difficulty	Moderate; while the basic mechanics of playing the Viola Caipira are similar to other string instruments like the guitar, mastering the paired string technique and the specific tunings of the instrument requires practice.
Notable Composers	Notable composers and performers who have used the Viola Caipira in their works include Almir Sater, Renato Teixeira, and Tião Carreiro. These musicians have helped popularize the instrument and have composed many pieces that feature its distinctive sound.
Famous Works	Famous works featuring the Viola Caipira include “Tocando em Frente” by Almir Sater and Renato Teixeira, “Chalana” by Tião Carreiro, and “Romaria” by Renato Teixeira. These songs are iconic in Brazilian music and highlight the instrument’s versatility and emotional depth.
Notable Performances	The Viola Caipira is often featured in performances at Brazilian folk festivals, sertanejo shows, and rural religious celebrations.
Famous Orchestras/Bands	The instrument is frequently used in sertanejo duos and bands, as well as in traditional música caipira ensembles. Artists like Almir Sater and Renato Teixeira have performed with the instrument both as soloists and as part of larger groups.
Maintenance	Regular maintenance includes cleaning the strings and fingerboard, tuning the instrument, and occasionally replacing the strings. Wooden instruments should be stored in a controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity.
Price Range	Viola Caipiras range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the quality of the craftsmanship, materials, and customizations.