The charango is a small, stringed musical instrument resembling a small guitar, featuring five pairs of strings, a rounded body and a short neck. Its body is traditionally made from an armadillo shell or wood, with strings made of nylon or animal gut.
Primarily originating from the Andean regions of South America, it is commonly used in traditional folk music genres such as Andean music and Huayno in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and northern Argentina.
Someone who plays the charango is referred to as a “charanguista” or simply a charango player.
What does the Charango sound like?
How to Play the Charango
Playing the charango involves a unique technique that allows the player to produce sound through plucking, fingerpicking and strumming the strings.
The player typically holds the charango close to their body, using their dominant hand to pluck the strings while the other hand supports and stabilizes the instrument. By pressing their fingers against the strings at different points along the neck, the player can change the pitch of the notes produced.
Sound is generated in the charango through the vibration of its strings. When a string is plucked, it vibrates back and forth, creating waves of sound that resonate through the instrument’s body.
The various techniques of plucking, fingerpicking and strumming each produce a different sound quality, allowing for a wide range of musical expression. Additionally, players may use also accessories such as picks or long fingernails to further manipulate the sound of the instrument.
Different Types of Charango
In additon to the traditional standard instrument, there are two additional types of charango that can be played. These are the charango requinto, and the charango grande.
Charango Requinto: Smaller than the traditional charango, easier to handle for beginners. However, its small size may make it challenging for players with larger hands.
Charango Grande: Larger than the traditional charango, it provides a deeper, richer sound. Requires stronger finger dexterity due to its larger size.
Instrument History
The charango’s name derives from the Quechua word “ch’aranka,” meaning “little wooden box.”
| Time Period | Evolution of the Charango |
|---|---|
| Pre-Colonial Era | Indigenous peoples in the Andean region created primitive versions of the charango using the backs of armadillos as resonating bodies. |
| 16th Century | Spanish colonial influence led to the introduction of European string instruments to South America, influencing the design and construction of the charango. |
| 18th Century | The charango evolved into a smaller, guitar-like instrument with five pairs of strings, incorporating elements from both indigenous and Spanish musical traditions. |
| 20th Century | The charango underwent further modifications in design and construction, including the use of different types of wood and improvements in string technology. |
| Present Day | The charango remains an integral part of South American folk music, with variations in size, tuning, and construction techniques reflecting regional preferences and cultural diversity. |
Parts and Construction
The charango is made up of several key components.
The Body : Typically constructed from a hollowed-out shell, often made from wood or the shell of an armadillo. This resonating chamber amplifies the sound produced by the instrument. The neck of the charango extends from the body and is where the strings are attached and manipulated to produce different pitches and tones.
The Fretboard : Usually made from wood, is affixed to the neck and features metal frets that divide the neck into distinct intervals, enabling precise fingering and note selection.
Tuning Pegs : Mounted on the body are the tuning pegs, also known as machine heads or tuning machines, which are used to adjust the tension of the strings, thereby altering their pitch. These pegs are crucial for tuning the charango to the desired musical scale or key.
Stings : The strings themselves, typically made from nylon or gut, are stretched along the length of the neck and secured at both ends, running from the tuning pegs at the headstock to the bridge at the body’s base.
The Bridge : Often made of wood or bone, serves as a point of contact for the strings, transmitting their vibrations to the body and resonating chamber, thus amplifying the sound.
Soundhole : Located on the body’s face, allows air to escape from the resonating chamber, contributing to the instrument’s acoustic properties and tone production.
Leading Charango Manufacturers
Charango manufacturers are often skilled artisans or companies dedicated to crafting high-quality instruments. Some renowned charango manufacturers and their respective countries of origin include:
| Manufacturer | Country of Origin |
|---|---|
| La Tradición | Bolivia |
| luthier Rodrigo | Argentina |
| Luthier M.L. | Bolivia |
| Casa Rodas | Bolivia |
| Eduardo Malqui | Peru |
| Luthier Vallejo | Argentina |
| Luthier Aguilar | Bolivia |
| Don Victoriano | Bolivia |
| Luthier Cristaldo | Bolivia |
| Luthier Daniel Hojman | Argentina |
Famous Charango Players
| Musician | Description |
|---|---|
| Jaime Torres | Hailing from Argentina, Jaime Torres is renowned for his virtuoso charango playing, blending traditional Andean melodies with contemporary influences. |
| Eddy Navia | Bolivian musician Eddy Navia is celebrated for his innovative approach to charango music, fusing traditional styles with jazz, rock, and world music elements. |
| Ernesto Cavour | A prominent figure in Bolivian music, Ernesto Cavour is recognized for his mastery of the charango and his efforts to popularize the instrument globally through performances and workshops. |
| Luzmila Carpio | Luzmila Carpio, a singer and charango player from Bolivia, gained international acclaim for her powerful voice and her contributions to preserving indigenous Andean music and culture. |
| Alfredo Coca | Alfredo Coca, a Bolivian musician, is known for his skilled charango playing and his dedication to teaching and promoting traditional Andean music both locally and abroad. |
| Rolando Encinas | Renowned in Bolivia and beyond, Rolando Encinas is celebrated for his innovative compositions and arrangements for the charango, pushing the boundaries of traditional Andean music. |
| Félix Cárdenas | Félix Cárdenas, a Bolivian musician, is famous for his emotive charango performances, capturing the spirit and essence of Andean music through his soulful interpretations. |
| Ernesto Chávez | With his technical prowess and deep understanding of Andean music, Ernesto Chávez has earned recognition as one of Peru’s finest charango players, captivating audiences with his expressive performances. |
| Juan “Chupita” Núñez | Juan “Chupita” Núñez, a legendary charango player from Bolivia, is celebrated for his innovative playing techniques and his role in popularizing the charango as a solo instrument. |
| Mauricio Jacks | Mauricio Jacks, an Argentine musician, is renowned for his dynamic charango performances, blending traditional folk melodies with contemporary influences to create a unique and vibrant sound. |
Traditional Charango Music
In South American Huayno and Andean music settings, the charango plays a central role, providing rhythmic accompaniment and melodic embellishments that contribute to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of these musical traditions.
Here are ten charango tunes, compositions, or works that offer a diverse and enriching experience for listeners:
- El Cóndor Pasa” by Daniel Alomía Robles (1913)
This iconic Peruvian tune, popularized by Simon & Garfunkel, features a captivating melody inspired by Andean folk music, showcasing the expressive potential of the charango.
- “Carnavalito” by Traditional – This lively Bolivian folk tune, often performed during carnival celebrations, features infectious rhythms and joyful melodies that highlight the charango’s role in creating a festive atmosphere.
- “La Llorona” by Traditional – Originating from Mexico but also prevalent in Andean music, “La Llorona” is a hauntingly beautiful tune that showcases the emotive capabilities of the charango through its melancholic melody and evocative lyrics.
- “Pájaro Campana” by Félix Pérez Cardozo (1932) – Composed by Paraguayan musician Félix Pérez Cardozo, “Pájaro Campana” is a charming and melodic piece that captures the essence of Paraguayan folk music, featuring intricate charango passages.
- “Viva Jujuy” by Raúl Carnota – This Argentine folk tune pays homage to the vibrant culture of the Jujuy province, featuring spirited rhythms and spirited melodies that showcase the charango’s versatility and agility.
- “Cacharpaya” by Jaime Torres – Written by the renowned Argentine charango player Jaime Torres, “Cacharpaya” is a lively and energetic composition that blends traditional Andean melodies with contemporary influences, demonstrating the charango’s adaptability to different musical styles.
- “El Humahuaqueño” by Juan Carlos Saravia – A beloved Argentine folk tune, “El Humahuaqueño” celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Humahuaca region, featuring driving rhythms and uplifting melodies that evoke the spirit of the Andean landscape.
- “Q’awaq Kachu” by Edgar Villarroel – This Bolivian charango composition, named after a type of Andean bird, features intricate rhythms and virtuosic charango passages that showcase the instrument’s technical capabilities and expressive range.
- “Pampa Lirima” by Carlos Paredes – Written by the renowned Peruvian composer Carlos Paredes, “Pampa Lirima” is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the vastness and beauty of the Peruvian landscape, featuring evocative charango melodies that transport listeners to the Andean highlands.
- “Danza de los Kusillos” by Julio Godoy – This Bolivian charango composition, named after mythical Andean spirits, features intricate rhythms and haunting melodies that evoke the mystical world of Andean folklore, showcasing the charango’s role as a storyteller and cultural symbol.
The Charango in Popular Culture
In the realm of film, television, and popular culture, the charango has made notable appearances through its distinctive sound in various tunes.
Here are some charango tunes that many people would recognize:
“Gracias a la Vida” by Violeta Parra (1966) – This iconic Chilean song, popularized by artists like Mercedes Sosa, features a simple yet poignant melody accompanied by the charango, capturing the essence of gratitude and appreciation for life’s blessings.
La Cumparsita” by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez (1916) – Although originally composed as a tango, “La Cumparsita” has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing the charango’s versatility in adapting traditional Argentine music to various contexts.
La Llorona” (Traditional) – This haunting Mexican folk song, often associated with themes of loss and longing, has been featured in various films and TV shows, with the charango contributing to its evocative atmosphere.
Ay! Ay! Ay!” by Agustín Lara (1936) – This Mexican bolero, known for its passionate lyrics and melodious refrain, has been performed by numerous artists and featured in popular films, with the charango adding a touch of romance and nostalgia to its rendition.
“El Condor Pasa” by Los Incas (1963) – Popularized by the Peruvian group Los Incas, this rendition of “El Condor Pasa” features the charango prominently, showcasing its role in creating a rhythmic and melodic backdrop inspired by Andean music.
“La Murga de Panamá” (Traditional) – This lively Panamanian folk tune, often associated with carnival celebrations, has been featured in films and TV shows depicting Latin American culture, with the charango adding to its festive and energetic vibe.
“Cielito Lindo” (Traditional) – This beloved Mexican folk song, known for its cheerful melody and catchy chorus, has been featured in countless films and TV shows, with the charango contributing to its lively and uplifting rendition.
Guantanamera” (Traditional) – This Cuban folk song, popularized by artists like Celia Cruz, has been covered in various styles and genres, with the charango adding a distinct Andean twist to its rhythmic accompaniment.
These tunes demonstrate the charango’s versatility and adaptability, as it seamlessly integrates into diverse musical contexts, enriching the auditory experience and leaving a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.
Instruments Similar to the Charango
If you have enjoyed reading, watching and learning about the andean charango, here are five more instruments that are very similar to it and which may be of interest:
The Ronroco: Often referred to as a “bass charango,” the ronroco features a longer neck and fewer strings than the charango, producing deeper tones and a more resonant sound.
The Tiple: Originating from Colombia, the tiple is a small guitar-like instrument with twelve strings, known for its bright and twangy sound, similar to the charango’s timbre.
The Bandurria: A Spanish instrument brought to South America during colonization, the bandurria features a pear-shaped body and twelve strings, often played in ensembles alongside charangos and other string instruments.
The Cuatro: Popular in Venezuela and other parts of South America, the cuatro is a small, four-stringed instrument resembling a ukulele, often used in folk and traditional music genres.
The Quena: While not a string instrument like the charango, the quena is a traditional Andean flute made from bamboo or wood, producing haunting melodies that complement the charango’s sound in Andean ensembles.
These instruments, alongside the charango, form the backbone of Andean music, each contributing its unique timbre and character to create a diverse and vibrant sonic landscape that reflects the cultural heritage of the region.
