Requinto jarocho
The requinto jarocho or guitarra de son is plucked string instrument, played usually with a special pick. It is a four- or five-stringed instrument that has originated from Veracruz, Mexico.
 A requinto jarocho with plastic and metal strings | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | (plucked) |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | (Composite chordophone) |
| Developed | 16th century |
| Related instruments | |
| Sound sample | |
The requinto is used in conjunto jarocho ensembles. In the absence of the arpa, the requinto typically introduces the melodic theme of the son and then continues by providing a largely improvised counterpoint to the vocal line.
Characteristics
The requinto jarocho is shaped like a guitar with a small body. The body, neck and tuning head is made from one piece of wood. It has a shallow body, and a slightly raised fingerboard. It also has 12 frets. [1]
The four-stringed requinto jarocho can follow the standard tuning of (ADGc), but is also commonly tuned to GADg and CDGc.[1] The five-stringed requinto, however, adds a string above the standard tuning 5 half-steps below the initial first string, making it EADGc.[1]
The requinto jarocho strings are made of nylon; when played it sounds like the bottom four strings of a classical guitar.
Gallery
pick to play requinto
Guitarra de son or Requinto.