Folk Culture

Mariachi music can usually be placed into broad categories. Each type of song contains certain elements which best identifies the style of a piece. A student of mariachi music should access recordings of the different types of songs and aurally differentiate each one.

Polka These pieces are spirited 2/4 time selections which contain German influence. Many of the classic tunes recorded in the 1950’s are largely instrumental, although original versions contain lyrics. The chord structure usually has a modulation to the dominant key and then back to the tonic. The “C” section of the piece most often goes to the sub-dominant key. Examples include “Jesusita En Chihuahua” and “Las Bicicletas.”

Ranchera Valsada A ranchera valsada is always in 3/4 meter. The lyric content is emotional and the music is simple. Chord progession is I-V7-I, and the coro tends to go to the IV. Coro sections also become duets or trio voice parts. “Ella” and “Cuatro Caminos” are good examples.

Bolero Mariachi Boleros are in 4/4 time signature. The proper strum is all down for guitar/vihuela. Boleros are generally romantic and ballad style songs. Chord structure tends to be more complex with circle of fifths and linear scale motion. “Solamente Una Vez” and “No me queda mas” would fit into this type.

Son Jalisciense This son type is the definitive song form of the mariachi ensemble. Several notable characteristics define the Son. Meter alternates between 3/4 and 6/8 time. Some sones use 9/8 and/or 12/8 measures giving the sensation of extra or out-of place beats. Strong accented syncopation in the armonia section compliments the melody lines. Violins and trumpets make extensive use of grace notes for phrasing. The traditional sones are often about farm life and rural experiences. “El Son de la Negra” and “La Vaquilla” are two good sones to study.

Son Abejeno These are sones of the lowlands. The son abajeno has very complex meters and rhythm patterns in the vihuela, mainly 16th note combinations. Instrument music is also challenging as is the vocals which are often sung in upper registers. Most sones in this category are traditional folk, and only top mariachi groups perform them. “El Cuatro” and “Las Olas” would be examples.

Jarabe The word jarabe means “syrup” refers to a dance form which is characterized as a string of sones. “Jarabe Tapatio” and “Jarabe Mixteco” are two well-known jarabes.

Huapango The huapango developed in the eastern coast of Mexico in Veracruz. It is a unique blend of Africa, Spanish and Indian influences. The meter, like he son, can be written as an alternation of 3/4 and 6/8 time. The rhythm includes an apagon or muted strum. Traditional huapangos are lively and the lyrics raunchy. “Malague�a Salerosa” and “Cucurucucu Paloma” are common huapango tunes of the modern mariachi group.

Corrido This type of song is a story about an actual person or event. Corridos can be in 2/4 or 3/4 time. They often begin with the statement that the song is a corrido. Music is normally based on the primary chords. Two examples are “Corrido de Monterrey” and “Juan Charrasqueado.”

Ranchera Lento The most emotional of the song forms is the ranchera lento. The meter is a slow 4/4 with bass and guitar alternating beats. Music and chord structure is simple but very expressive. Lyrics deal with issues of love and life. Popular tunes include “Volver” and “Por un Amor.”

Danzon The danzon is a dance form with its origins in Cuba. It has a 4/4 meter with the eighth notes played in 3+3+2 strum. This style has a ballroom music flavor. It is commonly played instrumentally. Chords are simple with V of V’s and altered chords common. Popular danzons are “Nereidas” and “Almendra.”

Cumbia This song type is from Columbia and is very danceable. The 2/4 meter time is moderate, and cumbias can be both vocal or just music. The bass line is played on a 1-3-4 pattern with a rushed third beat. The guitarist will many times will use a card on the strings to give a scraping effect to the music.”Rosa Maria” is a cumbia favorite.

Vals This form of song is easily recognized. Time signature is 3/4 and usually slow with some tempo changes. The vals is the same as the European waltz, and the harmonic structure is more orchestrated. “Olimpica” and “Morir Sonando” should be studied.

Paso Doble Paso Dobles are derived from Spanish dances. Pieces often feature tthe trumpet as a solo, and the feel is that of bullfight music. Tempos are fast and chord progression is well-known. Tunes include “La Virgen De La Macarena” and “Espana Cani.”

Son Jarocho This term applies to music which developed in the coastal plain of Veracruz. The mixture of African, Indian and Spanish cultures produced a festive dance form of music with improvised verses and regional flavor. The best examples “La Bamba” and “El Cascabel.”

The forms presented here are only a general guide for classifying mariachi music. Many more forms exist especially regionally unique ones and some long-forgotten ones. Song types today also crossover into one another, and it may be difficult to catagorize a song definitively. The terms used by some mariachis may be different in other cultures or settings. The mariachi student must become familiar with the distinct elements in identifying this exciting genre of music.