Mariachi Dictionary

Literally means leash- thin leather strap used to hold the Guitarrón

Guitar Pick

A yell that marks an emotion-packed moment in mariachi music

This word can refer to a musician, ensemble or type of traditional Mexican Folk Music

A Ranchera set to a waltz meter of 3/4. Guitarrón plays on 1, armonia on 2 & 3

a contracted performance where you are paid by the restaurant or bar-serves as promotion

Literally means slow ranchera set to 4/4 meter. Guitarrón plays on 1 & 3, armonia on 2 & 4

Refers to being paid per song, usually at a restaurant

Literally means "from the drawer" refers to the standard way of playing a song

A type of adorno that fits at the end of a musical phrase, usually at end of verses

Genre of traditional Music of Mexico. Usually about love, filled with lots of symbolism

A person pertaining to the peasant farmer social class

Song style originated in cuba, usually a ballad of love. In 4/4, armonia strums 8^th notes

Slang for Work/ gig

Literally means "big guitar", serves as the bass of the Mariachi ensemble

Refers to the the type of fast exciting song style that comes from the state of Jalisco

A person who makes less of someone's musical abilities

Suit worn by Mariachi's

Strap used to hold the guitar & vihuela

Song style made popular during the Mexican Revolution. Used to tell news/ current events

Refers to a music ornament that fits between phrases/ verses

Mexican Cowboy- Mariachis refer to themselves as this mostly due to the attire they wear

Both the celebration of a 15 yr-old womans passage to maturity & to the person being celebrated

a Nickname usually based on an inside joke

Technique of pulling the strings of the Guitarrón to produce sound.

Five-Stringed, much smaller and higher pitched guitar with a unique hump on its back

To make less of someone's musical abilities. This can be both verbal or non-verbal

Literally Means fingernail, used to strum the Vihuela