Listen to the requinto jarocho
Tip: press play to see the sound's live frequency spectrum in blue over the waveform.
How the requinto jarocho makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the requinto jarocho belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
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.
Other lutes
More instruments from Mexico
Frequently asked questions
What does a requinto jarocho sound like?
Listen to 1 recording on this page. As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the requinto jarocho?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.322-5).
Where does the requinto jarocho come from?
The requinto jarocho originates from Mexico.
Sources & credits
- Figura del son de la Guacamaya en requinto jarocho by Koffermejia – CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Wikidata Q7314870 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Requinto jarocho – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Koffermejia – CC BY-SA 4.0