El Cuatro

In this video, Señor Enrique plays a traditional four-string guitar from Venezuela called the cuatro. Music is a very important part of Latin American culture, and the guitar is a major instrument in all of the various countries. The cuatro can trace its roots back to the 16th century with a Spanish 4-string guitar. Today’s version is similar to a ukulele, but with a different shape and tuning. While the cuatro is primarily used in Venezuela and Colombia, it is also used in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean islands.

Many different styles and types of music have come from Latin America. Argentina produced the tango. The Dominican Republic produced the bachata and merengue. Colombia created the cumbia and Puerto Rico and Cuba brought us reggaeton and salsa. Mexico is known for mariachi and ranchero styles of music. While many people in the U.S. are familiar with the ornate outfits and sombreros of the mariachi, it is important to note that this style of music is really only found in Mexico and every area of Latin America is proud of its own musical forms.

Latin American musicians like Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Enrique Iglesias are bringing these styles into modern rock and popular music found in the U.S. today. Understanding Latin American culture is extremely difficult without learning about the strong musical cultures of its many countries. Señor Enrique’s introduction of the cuatro is just one example of the local music that has inspired people for hundreds of years in Latin America.

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