Bajo Sextos: Tex-Mex Musical Instrument - By: michael russell

Along the northern border of Mexico and into southern Texas, a form of music known as nortena originally began to develop in the 1950s. Radio stations picked up on the sound and played the music which became popular in the region. The music sound required a guitar-like instrument called a bajo sextos. The instrument is played much as a guitar would be, but it has twice as many strings (12) as a standard guitar. The guitar comes both in acoustic and electric types.

The guitar-like instrument has twelve strings. They are arranged in six double courses. The strings are tuned from the lowest string to the highest string to the notes E, A, D, G, C and F respectively.

Although Mexicans appreciate the music most, it is also popular amongst some from the southern part of Texas. Some individuals call the music genre Tex-Mex. Nortena music was the original name of the genre, but it is also known as conjunto and musica mexicana tejana.

As a low range musical instrument, the bajo gives you the necessary rhythmic line found in conjunto ensembles. Because the instrument has a lower range that other guitars, it can carry the chord changes that move through the musical pieces. It is also used in some other types of musical groups, but the main focus of the instrument to date has been in the musical genre known as conjunto or nortena.

Because the music is found in a relatively limited geographical area, there is not as much demand for this instrument as some of the other stringed instruments. The available inventory includes beautiful and carefully crafted instruments in several different types of wood. The back of some of the quality designs include cedar, mahogany or Indian rosewood. The tops are constructed of cedar. The fingerboard and bridge is made of rosewood. Other more exotic woods are also used in some instruments.

The finish of the instruments is beautiful. The thickness of such instruments might vary somewhat, so the player can choose the instrument that is most comfortable. Many of such specialized guitars are finished with a decorative motif. Handcrafting is an art for those who create the instruments. Those bajos are highly prized.

For members of a nortena or conjunto musical group, the sound of the bajo sextos is required. Serious performances have sound and style that is unique. The rhythm and melody enhances the sound of the group.

About the Author

Check out the new luna, dean, arbor, and pink guitars on this website besides the traditional yet popular diva and daisy rock guitars on this website. Even if a buyer does not find what they require on this site, they may contact or call the providers to get their desired type of guitars.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/michael-russell/37780

Additional Articles From - Home | Arts & entertainment | Music