JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Home
Guitars, Ukuleles, and Folk
Mariachi Instruments

Mariachi Instruments

guitars, ukuleles, and folk: mariachi

guitars, ukuleles, and folk: mariachi

Shop Guitarrónes, Vihuelas, Violin, Trumpet and other Mariachi Instruments!

Musicians of all ages can learn to appreciate the rich history of mariachi music with a quality assortment of instruments from West Music Mariachi. Whether you're teaching a large class, small group, or your own children, we carry any instrument you might need. Crafted with beautiful designs, colors, and quality materials, students will love learning traditional mariachi music and playing these gorgeous instruments. Purchase full sets with hard shell cases included, or find just the individual pieces to start off on the right foot.

At West Music Mariachi, we strive to bring the best value mariachi instruments to our customers. That's why we offer top-rated brands including Jose Hernandez guitarrones, vihuelas, violins and trumpets, along with instruments from Hohner, Yamaha, Bach, and Westwood.

What instruments are in a mariachi band? Visit our blog to learn more!

Meet The Mariachi Instruments

Mariachi Accessories

Mariachi Books & Media

Teacher Education

*If you cannot view the products in this category, please click here

Your network security may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

Call us M-F 9am - 5pm CST to place your order over the phone at 1-800-397-9378.
Shop via a different network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).
Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist our site.
You can also access our digital catalog here to find and add items to your cart (product pages will load normally).
- Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product
- Click a link to navigate the product page
- And add it to your cart!
You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number( i.e. "123456") to the end of our URL (i.e. westmusic.com/123456).

If you cannot view the products in this category, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

2. Shop via a different browser or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).

3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

4. You can also click here to access our digital catalog. Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product, click a link to navigate the product detail page (product pages will load normally), and add it to your cart. You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number (i.e. "400278") to the end of our URL (i.e. Westmusic.com/400278).

Mariachi music, with its roots deeply embedded in the cultural soil of Mexico, is a genre that resonates with vibrancy, passion, and tradition. At the heart of this captivating musical style are the instruments that define its sound—a rich amalgamation of strings, brass, and air that create the festive yet soulful melodies synonymous with mariachi. This exploration delves into the core mariachi instruments: the classical guitar, trumpet, harp, and mariachi accordion, revealing the unique role each plays within the ensemble.

The classical guitar serves as the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of mariachi music. Its deep, warm tones provide a rich backdrop against which the melody instruments play. In a mariachi group, the guitar's role is multifaceted, offering chordal support and rhythmic structure. The use of nylon strings, characteristic of the classical guitar, contributes to a smoother, more mellow sound than steel strings, perfectly complementing the ensemble's vocals and other instruments.

The mariachi trumpet is the soaring voice that often leads the ensemble, delivering powerful, emotive melodies that can range from exuberant fanfare to tender serenades. The inclusion of trumpets in mariachi bands dates back to the early 20th century, marking a significant evolution in the genre's sound. The mariachi trumpet must be played with a certain finesse to blend with the traditional string instruments, requiring technical skill and a deep understanding of the genre's emotional depth.

The mariachi harp is less commonly seen but equally mesmerizing, which adds enchanting resonance and complexity to the music. The mariachi harp is more significant than its classical counterpart, designed for a robust projection that can stand up to the powerful sounds of trumpets and violins. It provides both rhythmic accompaniment and melodic lines, often doubling the bass patterns or embellishing the melody with intricate flourishes, showcasing the versatility and skill of the harpist.

While not traditional in the earliest forms of mariachi, the accordion has found a place in modern ensembles, especially in regions where the influence of norteño music is vital. The mariachi accordion adds a distinctive texture and flair to the group with its ability to produce both melody and harmony. Its inclusion brings a playful, dynamic element to performances, offering a nod to blending cultural influences within Mexican music.

Together, these instruments form the heart and soul of a mariachi band, each contributing its unique voice to the collective sound. The classical guitar and mariachi harp lay down the harmonic and rhythmic framework, while the mariachi trumpet cuts through with emotive melodies. The mariachi accordion, when included, adds layers of complexity and color, enriching the ensemble's texture. The beauty of mariachi music lies not just in the individual talent of its musicians but in their ability to come together, creating a sound that is both cohesive and compelling. This collaboration speaks to the essence of mariachi—a celebration of culture, community, and the joy of making music. As mariachi continues to evolve, so does its instruments' interplay, a testament to the genre's resilience and capacity for innovation. Whether performing in the plazas of Mexico or on international stages, mariachi bands carry a rich musical heritage, inviting audiences into a world where every strum, blow, and pluck tells a story.

el mariachi

el mariachi