This article relies largely or entirely on a single source .(March 2020) |
![]() 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 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. 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.
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.
According to the work of researcher Francisco García Ranz, this is the classification of the son guitar family, which includes the leona: [2]
Nomenclature | Acoustic extension | Number of frets | Record range | Tessitura |
---|---|---|---|---|
Guitarra grande | C2 - A3 | 9 | serious | low |
Guitarra cuarta | G2 - G4 | 12 | bass - middle | baritone |
Requinto jarocho | C3 - C5 | 12 | middle | tenor |
Medio requinto | G3 - G5 | 12 | mids - treble | high |
Requinto primero | C4 - A5 | 9 | treble | soprano |