Comments on: Venezuelan Music: El Cuatro

By: Andre Guevarro

Andre Guevarro — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:40:33 +0000

I am a cuatro student and enjoyed your display, however i was not able to view your strumming. thanks.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:05:27 +0000

Here’s another website:

http://www.venezuela.ch/es/musica.html

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:57:43 +0000

Hi Folks,

I decided to try and learn the Cuatro while I was in Venezuela during the summer. I had decent support over there, but when I returned to the UK…NOTHING!

I have searched high and low for resources to help me with the Cuatro and there isn’t much out there. No books available and only a few websites in existence. I bought the ‘Manual del Cuatro’ when in Venezuela, and I use YouTube, but that’s about it. It doesn’t help when my Spanish is poor.

I have since taken up the Ukulele because support and resources are so much better for it here, but I really would like to learn the Cuatro.

My Cuatro isn’t anything special (someone gave me their old one) and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could buy a new one. The instrument seems to be non-existent here in this country.

Best wishes,

Robert

By: Tio

Tio — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:48:27 +0000

Hi Gina,

Check the above comments for plenty of pointers. Visit http://el-cuatro.blogspot.com/ for songs and chords and videos. See also youtube where various lessons and videos on cuatro playing can be found. As far as in Europe or online I really dont think there is much to be found. I bought my cuatro in Caracas.

Good luck!

Tio

By: Gina

Gina — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:45:38 +0000

Hi there, I am searching for good cuatro lyrics & songs for a Christmas present. Could you give me a suggestion, where can I get some? (online)
I’m based in Europe. I would appreciate if you could help me! Thanks a lot!

By: Venezuelan Music: The Rhythms of the Cuatro « Bala Fria

Venezuelan Music: The Rhythms of the Cuatro « Bala Fria — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:26:12 +0000

[...] Un video donde prodrás disfrutar de una demostración de las posibilidades expresivas del cuatro venezolano. / A demonstration of the expressive possibilities of the Venezuelan cuatro courtesy of google video. [...]

By: Tio

Tio — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:50:25 +0000

Hey… thanks for that Mantecanaut!

To be honest my rhythm is not too bad. I play the guitar and I have a good feel for different styles .. funk, reggae etc, but when it comes to latin styles such as merengue, joropo, salsa i need to work on the different up and down strokes which make up the different rhythms. I will check out the youtube vid.

Thanks again!

Tio

By: Tio

Tio — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:44:39 +0000

Here is a version of pajarillo… in all its glory for those who are interested…

http://www.elcuatrovenezolano.com/images/pajarillo2.wmv

By: mantecanaut

mantecanaut — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:44:03 +0000

Good site. Different style, but may be of interest :
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dvk2e9F9-Qs&mode=related&search=

She has a great right hand technique, and in these kind of styles the right hand is the most important.

By: Tio

Tio — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:16:44 +0000

Here is another good site I stumbled across which has some basic lessons and videos

http://www.elcuatrovenezolano.com/

By: Tio

Tio — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:09:06 +0000

Si, Claro. I just bought a cheap cuatro on a recent trip to Venezuela so I am looking to improve. I am not bad but I could do with some of this guy’s rhythm technique. Anyone know where I can get some Cuatro lessons?

By: mantecanaut

mantecanaut — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:06:35 +0000

muy chido, pero quise ver como hace la mano derecha!

By: Tio

Tio — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:06:19 +0000

Thanks. Great blog.

For more information on the Venezuelan cuatro see http://el-cuatro.blogspot.com/

By: Renegade Eye

Renegade Eye — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:02:19 +0000

Very nice music.

I returned the favor, and linked back to this blog.