Charango: The South American String Instrument Explained

The charango is a small, lute-like string instrument originating from the Andean regions of South America, traditionally crafted with an armadillo shell back. It typically features five double courses of strings and produces a bright, resonant tone central to folk music traditions in Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and beyond.

Etymology / Origin

The word charango is believed to derive from the Quechua word charanga, meaning “noisy” or “boisterous,” possibly referencing the instrument’s bright, percussive sound. Others link it to the Spanish term charanga for a brass band, though the connection is tenuous. The charango emerged in the 18th century in the Potosí region of present-day Bolivia, a cultural melting pot where indigenous and Spanish influences fused. It is thought to have evolved from the Spanish vihuela de mano or the smaller guitarrilla, adapted by native craftsmen using local materials. The iconic use of the armadillo shell (quirquincho) for the soundbox reflects this syncretism, though modern instruments often use wood to protect the species.

How It Works

The charango produces sound through the vibration of its strings, which are plucked or strummed. Its small, bowl-shaped body—traditionally made from an armadillo shell but now commonly carved from wood—amplifies the sound via a sound hole. The standard charango has ten strings arranged in five double courses, tuned G-C-E-A-E (from low to high). The third course (E) is often tuned an octave apart, giving the instrument its characteristic shimmering, chorus-like effect. The strings are typically nylon, though some players use metal strings for a brighter tone. The short scale length (around 37 cm) and close string spacing demand precise finger placement, making it a challenging but rewarding instrument for intricate melodic and rhythmic patterns.

Notation & Diagrams

Charango music is often notated in standard staff notation or tablature. Below is a simple chord diagram for a G major chord in standard tuning (G-C-E-A-E, from 5th to 1st course). The numbers indicate the fret to press; 0 means open string, X means not played.

This fingering produces a bright G major voicing. For a simple tablature, a C major scale might be written as:

• 1st string (E): 0-1-3-5-7-8-10-12
• 2nd string (A): 0-2-3-5-7-8-10-12

Players often use a combination of standard notation and tablature to learn melodies and chord progressions.

Step-by-Step / How to Play

1. Hold the charango correctly: Sit upright, rest the instrument on your lap or against your chest, with the neck angled slightly upward. Use your right forearm to stabilize the body.
2. Tune the strings: Use a digital tuner to achieve standard tuning (G-C-E-A-E). The third course (E) strings are often tuned an octave apart; the thinner string is closest to the player.
3. Learn basic strumming: Start with a simple down-up strumming pattern using your thumb or a pick. Practice on open strings to develop a steady rhythm.
4. Finger basic chords: Begin with G major (as diagrammed above) and C major (0-0-0-3-3). Press the strings firmly just behind the frets to avoid buzzing.
5. Practice plucking: Use your thumb and index finger to pluck individual strings for melodies. The charango’s double courses require even pressure to sound both strings cleanly.
6. Combine strumming and melody: Many traditional styles, like the Bolivian cueca or Peruvian huayno, mix rhythmic strumming with melodic runs.

Common Variations

The charango family includes several regional variants, each with distinct sizes, tunings, and roles:

• Ronroco: A larger, lower-pitched version, often tuned a fourth lower (D-G-B-E-B). It provides a deeper, more resonant accompaniment.
• Walaycho: A smaller, higher-pitched variant, tuned a fourth or fifth above the standard charango. It is used for bright, melodic lines.
• Charangón: Slightly larger than the charango, with a longer scale and sometimes additional strings, popular in Argentina.
• Armadillo vs. Wood: Traditional instruments use an armadillo shell, prized for its unique resonance, but modern makers often use woods like mahogany or cedar for sustainability and consistency.
• Electric charango: Solid-body versions with pickups, used in contemporary fusion genres.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect tuning: The octave string in the third course is often misplaced; ensure the thinner string is on the treble side.
• Excessive pressure: Pressing too hard on the small frets can cause notes to go sharp. Use just enough force to cleanly contact the fret.
• Neglecting the right hand: Many beginners focus only on chords; develop a relaxed, rhythmic strumming technique to capture the charango’s percussive character.
• Ignoring string maintenance: Nylon strings wear out and lose intonation; change them regularly, especially the thin octave strings.
• Poor posture: Slouching or holding the instrument too flat can hinder playability and cause discomfort over time.

Notable Examples in Songs

• “El Cóndor Pasa” – Daniel Alomía Robles (often performed with charango)
• “Llorando se fue” – Los Kjarkas
• “Charangueando” – Ernesto Cavour
• “Pájaro Chogüí” – Traditional Paraguayan song, adapted for charango
• “Alturas” – Inti-Illimani
• “Saya de la Vida” – Grupo Aymara