There are 20 or 21 species of armadillos (biologists cannot agree on how to classify them), and all of them live in the South American pampas and other plains areas, and as far north as the southern part of North America (very few of them are found in the jungles). In recent years, the charango has also found a place in the world of film scoring and music production, where its unique timbre provides an excellent tool for creating atmospheric and evocative soundscapes. Whether it’s used to convey a sense of place, to add color and texture to a musical arrangement, or to create a specific mood, the charango brings a unique sonic palette that enriches the musical narrative. The Cultural Significance of the Charango

When the Spaniards arrived in South America, they brought with them the vihuela. The vihuela is considered to be the ancestor of modern-day guitars. Today, the charango continues to resonate with the melodies of the Andes, captivating audiences around the world with its unique sound and rich cultural significance. As we listen to the music of the charango, we are invited to experience a piece of Andean culture, to understand its past, appreciate its present, and look forward to its future. Through its strings, the charango tells a story of a people, a culture, and a region that is as vibrant and resilient as the music it produces. Notable Charango Players and Performances Here’s my guide to where to buy a charango or ronroco, including what to look for and what quality you’re likely to get at each price point.

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Shrieker: An instrument from the South of the Peru similar to the walaycho, made of wood or armadillo. Typically less than 30cm long, it differs from the walaycho in having 12 strings, usually metal, in five courses; the second and fourth courses are triple-strung. Tuning is the same as for the walyacho. [30] Conquistadors who brought over an instrument called the vihuela da mano, an early relative of the guitar. Because early artisans had limited experience working and shaping wood, they sourced the body of the instrument from the unfortunate little armadillo – an animal that was readily available and easy to trap. The armored shell (or carapace) was then attached to the soundboard/top of the instrument, providing a ready-made body or resonating chamber. The strings are typically tuned to G, C, E, and E settings from the top of the instrument. Understanding this tuning arrangement is essential for anyone learning to play the charango, as it allows them to navigate the fretboard and produce the desired notes and chords. However, it’s important to note that while the string arrangement and tuning may appear similar to a guitar, the charango has its own unique playing techniques that set it apart. Making a Charango

The charango has deep roots in Andean culture, particularly within Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It’s not just a musical instrument in these regions; it’s a social tool, a vehicle for storytelling, and a companion in celebrations and gatherings. Its sound, reminiscent of the Andean landscapes from where it originates, evokes emotions that words often cannot.The hit song “If I Could” by Simon & Garfunkel also features the charango. Their lyrics are layered on top of the Los Incas recording of “El Condor Pasa.”

Morcheeba, an electronica group, has an album entitled Charango, which includes a song called Charango, featuring rapper, Pace Won. Another two theories that are being researched are that the Charango originally came to Potosí from the Ayacucho region in colonial Peru as a result of migration within the Quechua populations. This suggests that the charango originated in the territory of what is now Peru via cultural exchange and then spread to the rest of the Andean area. This theory has not been proven either. [8] The charango is more than just a musical instrument; it’s a conduit for the rich, harmonic melodies that capture the spirit of the Andean region. Its sound is as distinct as its history, imbuing traditional Andean music with a unique tonal quality that sets it apart from other stringed instruments.

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The second is Helmholtz, a labelling system using a combination of upper and lower case note names, combined with apostrophes.

To illustrate this, here are two excellent samples of the instruments being played. The first is Benn Jordan playing the Ronroco, which he says is his favourite instrument:Charanguista Ernesto Cavour disagrees, and tends to support the second origin, maintaining that the word “charango” comes from a mispronunciation of the Spanish word “charanga”, meaning "brass band" (a reasonable corollary to 'military music played on wind instruments'). [15] The body generally features a narrow waist quite similar to the guitar shape and not the pear-shape like that of a lute. The soundboard and shape of the body may have minor variations compared to the traditional design. The sound of the charango is shaped by its construction and tuning. Traditionally made from the shell of an armadillo and now more commonly from wood, the charango’s petite body and ten strings produce a bright, resonant sound that carries a surprising amount of volume for its size. The strings are arranged in pairs, each tuned to the same note, which creates a chorus effect that adds depth and richness to the instrument’s tone. As expected there are very few books available for Charango method, but the good news is that there are a two really good books you can buy. The best all round book in my opinion is Charango Method – Metodo De Charango by Horacio Duran & Italo Pedrotti, published by Mel Bay. Fans of Inti Illimani will recognise the name of Horacio Duran as he is their Charanguista. Metodo De Charango - Horacio Duran & Italo Pedrotti Charango music is generally played in many traditional Andean musical styles . Some of the most internationally-renowned Andean bands, such as Los Kjarkas, Quillapayun, and Inti-Illimani, play charangos as a main instrument, together with flutes and panpipes. Widely respected master charango players include Ernesto Cavour, Jaime Torres and Federico Tarazona.