 The charango is a versatile instrument that can be strummed, with the hand or with a plectrum, as an accompaniment, or plucked so that it can be used as a melodic instrument. Although similar to the guitar in some respects, it is usually played in a style more reflective of flamenco than of classical guitar music.
The charango is a small ten string lute that originated in South America. The back of the instrument is traditionally fashioned from an armadillo. When the Spaniards came to South America, they brought the vihuela (an ancestor of the guitar) with them. The native people liked the vihuela, but lacked the technology to shape the wood in that manner. However, there was a convenient resource available to them: armadillo shells. Thus the charango was born. It was a happy day for music, but a sad day for armadillos. But it is a rare creature that makes music after death. Legend has it that the armadillo has to go to a conservatory for five years to study to become a charango.
Today, many of the best charangos have wooden backs instead of employing the armadillo shell. |
