Music Production

Mariachi Ensemble & Instruments

Guitarrón

The guitarrón is considered to be the heartbeat of the mariachi. This instrument is a six stringed base that is played in octaves. The guitarrón is also part of the "armonia" section, responsible for establishing the rhythm, and plays in conjunction with the vihuela and the guitar. Both the guitarrón and the vihuela are unique instruments to mariachi music.

Harp

The role of the Harp in today’s mariachi ensemble is to play the bass line along with the Guitarrón. It can also provide a melody line but generally not as frequently as it was once played in the past. The harpist can even play chords and arpeggios as per the specified musical arrangement. Though the Jalisco Harp style with a Tacote top is commonly used in the mariachi ensemble, the Veracruzana Harp style with a cedar top is also used.

Vihuela