REQUINTO Meaning and
Definition
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A requinto, derived from the Spanish word meaning "small," is a musical instrument that originates from Latin America, particularly Mexico and the Andean region. It is a small guitar-like instrument with six strings, resembling a scaled-down classical guitar. This instrument is a popular choice in traditional Latin American music, especially in mariachi and Andean folk music.
The requinto has a distinctive sound and is known for its high pitch and bright tones. It features a smaller body and a shorter scale length compared to a regular guitar, resulting in a higher pitch range. It is typically played with a pick or fingers, incorporating various strumming techniques and melodies to create its unique sound.
The requinto is not to be confused with the Spanish baroque instrument of the same name, which is a small lute-like guitar with four strings. The Latin American requinto, on the other hand, is similar in shape and construction to a guitar, with a flat or slightly arched soundboard, a hole for sound projection, and frets on the fingerboard to produce different notes.
In summary, the requinto is a small guitar-like instrument widely used in Latin American music, known for its high pitch and bright tones. With its characteristic sound, it serves as a key element in the traditional music of the region, adding a vibrant and melodic touch to various genres.
Etymology of REQUINTO
The word "requinto" has its roots in Spanish and can be traced back to the Latin word "re(c)kyntus", meaning "reduced" or "smaller". In Spanish, it specifically refers to a smaller version of an instrument, indicating a smaller size or pitch range compared to the original instrument. The term "requinto" is commonly used in the context of various instruments, such as the requinto guitar, requinto jarocho, and requinto romántico.
