How To Play Corridos On Guitar?

The sound of a Mexican guitar strumming a corrido is instantly recognizable, and for good reason. Corridos are a traditional form of folk music that has been around for centuries, and they are still popular today. They are often sung about love, loss, and other important events in people’s lives. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play corridos on guitar, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know, from the basics of strumming to the more advanced techniques. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, read on for all the information you need to start playing corridos today!

Step Instructions Video
1 Tune your guitar to standard tuning (EADGBE). How to Tune a Guitar
2 Learn the basic chords for corridos. Basic Chords for Corridos
3 Practice strumming patterns. Strumming Patterns for Corridos
4 Start playing corridos! Corridos for Beginners

History of Corridos

Corridos are a traditional form of Mexican folk music that tells stories of heroes, villains, and outlaws. They are typically sung in a narrative style, with the guitar providing a rhythmic accompaniment. Corridos have been around for centuries, and they have evolved over time to reflect the changing political and social landscape of Mexico.

The earliest corridos were sung by traveling minstrels, who would perform them in public squares and marketplaces. These corridos often told stories of local heroes and villains, and they were a way for people to share news and information about the events of the day.

As Mexico became more industrialized and urbanized, corridos began to reflect the changing social conditions of the country. Corridos about bandits and outlaws gave way to corridos about factory workers and campesinos. These corridos often expressed the hardships and struggles of the working class, and they became a powerful voice for social change.

In the 20th century, corridos became even more popular as they were recorded and disseminated through radio and other media. Corridos about the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero War became national anthems, and they helped to shape the national identity of Mexico.

Today, corridos continue to be a popular form of Mexican folk music. They are sung by both professional and amateur musicians, and they are performed in a variety of settings, from nightclubs to political rallies. Corridos are a vibrant part of Mexican culture, and they continue to tell the stories of the people and the events that have shaped the country.

Characteristics of Corridos

Corridos are characterized by their strong narrative structure, their use of traditional Mexican folk instruments, and their distinctive vocal style.

  • Narrative structure: Corridos tell stories in a straightforward, chronological manner. The stories are often based on real events, but they are often embellished with fictional elements. The narrator of a corrido typically takes on the role of a witness or participant in the events that are being described.
  • Traditional Mexican folk instruments: Corridos are typically accompanied by a variety of traditional Mexican folk instruments, including the guitar, the bajo sexto, and the accordion. These instruments provide a rhythmic and melodic framework for the vocals, and they help to create the distinctive sound of corridos.
  • Vocal style: The vocal style of corridos is characterized by its emotional intensity and its use of melisma. Corrido singers often use their voices to convey the emotions of the characters in the stories that they are telling. They also use melisma to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

Corridos are a unique and powerful form of Mexican folk music. They tell stories of the people and the events that have shaped Mexico, and they provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the country.

How to Play Corridos on Guitar

Corridos are a traditional form of Mexican folk music that can be played on a variety of instruments, including the guitar. The guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used to accompany a corrido or to play the melody.

To play a corrido on the guitar, you will need to know the basic chords and strumming patterns. You will also need to be able to read music or tablature.

Here are some tips for playing corridos on the guitar:

  • Start by learning the basic chords. The most common chords used in corridos are G, C, D, and Em.
  • Practice strumming patterns. There are many different strumming patterns that can be used to play corridos. Experiment with different patterns until you find one that you like.
  • Learn to read music or tablature. If you can read music, you will be able to play any corrido that you find. If you cannot read music, you can learn to play corridos by using tablature.

Once you have learned the basics, you can start playing corridos. Here are some tips for playing corridos:

  • Focus on the melody. The melody is the most important part of a corrido. Make sure that you are playing the melody correctly.
  • Embellish the melody. You can embellish the melody by adding bends, slides, and hammer-ons.
  • Play with emotion. Corridos are meant to be emotional. Play with emotion and let the music move you.

With a little practice, you will be able to play corridos on the guitar like a pro.

Here are some resources that you can use to learn more about playing corridos on the guitar:

  • [The Corridos Project](https://thecorridosproject.com/)
  • [The Mexican American Conjunto Project](https://www.tmacpi.org/)
  • [The Smithsonian Folkways Recordings](https://folkways.si.edu/topics/corridos/)

Corridos are a vibrant and important part of Mexican culture. They are a powerful form of storytelling that can

Chords and Strum Patterns for Corridos

The chords and strumming patterns used in corridos are relatively simple, making them a great choice for beginners. The most common chords used in corridos are G, C, D, and Em. These chords can be played in a variety of different ways, but the most common strumming pattern is to strum down on the beat and up on the offbeat.

Here is a basic chord progression for a corrido in the key of G:

  • G D Em C
  • G D Em C
  • G D Em C
  • G D C G

You can also add in some variations to this basic progression, such as adding a seventh chord or a suspended chord. Here are some examples of variations on the basic G D Em C progression:

  • G D7 Em C
  • G Dsus4 Em C
  • G D Em7 C

The strumming pattern for a corrido is also relatively simple. The most common pattern is to strum down on the beat and up on the offbeat. You can also add in some variations to this basic pattern, such as strumming down on the first and third beats and up on the second and fourth beats.

Here is a basic strumming pattern for a corrido in the key of G:

  • Down-up-down-up
  • Down-up-down-up
  • Down-up-down-up
  • Down-up-down-up

You can also add in some variations to this basic pattern, such as strumming down on the first and third beats and up on the second and fourth beats.

Tips for Playing Corridos on Guitar

Here are a few tips for playing corridos on guitar:

  • Start slow. Corridos can be played at a fast tempo, but it’s important to start slow and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern.
  • Practice with a metronome. A metronome can help you keep a steady tempo and ensure that you’re playing the chords and strumming pattern correctly.
  • Listen to other corridos. Listening to other corridos can help you learn the different styles and techniques used in this genre.
  • Experiment with different variations. The basic chords and strumming pattern for corridos can be played in a variety of different ways. Experiment with different variations to find what sounds best to you.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to play corridos on guitar like a pro!

Corridos are a traditional Mexican folk music genre that is characterized by its upbeat tempo, simple chords, and catchy melodies. They are a great choice for beginners because they are relatively easy to play. With a little practice, you’ll be able to play corridos on guitar like a pro!

How do I tune a guitar for Corridos?

To tune a guitar for Corridos, you will need to tune the following strings:

  • 6th string (E): E
  • 5th string (A): A
  • 4th string (D): D
  • 3rd string (G): G
  • 2nd string (B): B
  • 1st string (E): E

To tune your guitar, you can use a tuner or a piano. If you are using a tuner, simply strum each string and adjust the tuning peg until the string matches the note indicated on the tuner. If you are using a piano, you can tune your guitar by ear by playing each string and comparing it to the corresponding note on the piano.

What chords do I need to know to play Corridos?

The most common chords used in Corridos are:

  • G
  • C
  • D
  • Em
  • A
  • Am

You can also use other chords, such as F, F, B, and B7, but these are the most essential chords for playing Corridos.

What strumming pattern do I use to play Corridos?

The most common strumming pattern used in Corridos is the “forward and back” pattern. To play this pattern, you simply strum the strings down and then up. You can also add variations to this pattern, such as strumming the strings twice down and then once up, or strumming the strings twice up and then once down.

What is the basic rhythm of Corridos?

The basic rhythm of Corridos is a 4/4 time signature. This means that there are four beats per measure, and the emphasis is on the first and third beats.

What are some tips for playing Corridos on guitar?

Here are some tips for playing Corridos on guitar:

  • Practice slowly and gradually increase the tempo.
  • Focus on accuracy and rhythm.
  • Experiment with different strumming patterns and variations.
  • Don’t be afraid to add your own personal style to the music.

Where can I find more information about playing Corridos on guitar?

There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn how to play Corridos on guitar. Some helpful resources include:

  • Websites:
  • [The Corrido Project](https://www.elcorridoproject.org/)
  • [Corridos.com](https://www.corridos.com/)
  • [The Mexican American Conjunto Project](https://www.tmacp.org/)
  • Books:
  • [The Corrido: A Mexican American Folksong](https://www.amazon.com/Corrido-Mexican-American-Folksong-Amrico-Paredes/dp/0292701241)
  • [Corridos: An ](https://www.amazon.com/Corridos–Daniel-Sherman/dp/0816506451)
  • [The Mexican Corrido: A Study in Folk Poetry](https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Corrido-Study-Folk-Poetry/dp/0826302363)
  • Tutorials:
  • [How to Play Corridos on Guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_552v-y7i-w)
  • [Beginner’s Guide to Corridos on Guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3642559_1Xk)
  • [Learn to Play Corridos on Guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3642559_1Xk)

    learning how to play corridos on guitar is a great way to enjoy this traditional Mexican music genre. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to play your favorite corridos in no time. Just remember to practice regularly and have fun!

Author Profile

Carla Denker
Carla Denker
Carla Denker first opened Plastica Store in June of 1996 in Silverlake, Los Angeles and closed in West Hollywood on December 1, 2017. PLASTICA was a boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers, all hand picked by Carla. Although some of the merchandise was literally plastic, we featured items made out of any number of different materials.

Prior to the engaging profile in west3rdstreet.com, the innovative trajectory of Carla Denker and PlasticaStore.com had already captured the attention of prominent publications, each one spotlighting the unique allure and creative vision of the boutique. The acclaim goes back to features in Daily Candy in 2013, TimeOut Los Angeles in 2012, and stretched globally with Allure Korea in 2011. Esteemed columns in LA Times in 2010 and thoughtful pieces in Sunset Magazine in 2009 highlighted the boutique’s distinctive character, while Domino Magazine in 2008 celebrated its design-forward ethos. This press recognition dates back to the earliest days of Plastica, with citations going back as far as 1997, each telling a part of the Plastica story.

After an illustrious run, Plastica transitioned from the tangible to the intangible. While our physical presence concluded in December 2017, our essence endures. Plastica Store has been reborn as a digital haven, continuing to serve a community of discerning thinkers and seekers. Our new mission transcends physical boundaries to embrace a world that is increasingly seeking knowledge and depth.

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