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It is a curious string instrument, specifically (4) of which are made of nylon, a material similar to that used in fishing and that by means of different tensions in their pegs produces a quite peculiar tuning covering nuances for all tastes from melancholic melodies to very happy, his body like most of the instruments in this range is made of wood which can vary according to its function and even better sonority. among the most common to get a quality instrument are (mahogany, acoustic pine, acapro, palo santo, etc)

The closest relatives of the four are the Spanish guitar, the Puerto Rican cuatro and the llando bandola among many others.

The exact historical data of these instruments is unknown but certainly of a millenarian nature, there are archaeological findings in Egypt of civilizations before Christ who had knowledge about this musical aspect.

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and that's how the story is born ... from crude instruments of isolated notes to the present where they have been perfected and have a record of complex chords.

Versatility of four

The Venezuelan cuatro does not have an affinity of continuous notes which gives it a unique sound with a wide range of chords, different nuances and dissonances.

** here the natural tuning **

another of its main characteristics is that it can shine with its own light, playing solo pieces stealing the show or also forming a basic melody to enrich and give prominence to other instruments in a soundtrack.

The Spirit of Cuatro

this instrument keeps a certain mysticism, through it flow many emotions transmitted by its interpreter especially in the Venezuelan plains in isolated haciendas of civilization where there is no pollution of modern life is custom to fall the last hours of the day to sit down share with the family and listen to the old man of the house singing melodies and fantastic stories with his four ... stories like the Florentine and the devil that tells about a singer of very good improvisation to which the devil came to seek to take him and Florentine I challenge him to sing, that's how they lasted for many hours until the devil could not stand the rhythm and retired abruptly ... that among many other stories and stories that get lost in time ... if someone is interested listen to any of these stories on youtube you can find some of them (the silbon, legend of Juan Machete, the anima of Santa Elena, Florentine and the Devil, the sayona) are myths and legends of the plains some say that they exist, others that are fables ... I leave it to each one's criteria.

finally to leave you here a video of a great friend of mine of great skill in the execution of the instrument is a home video as those anecdotes that comment where we all sit to hear the biggest singing of the house.

I present them is called Eduardo del Corral (video extracted from my YouTube channel)

So far today's post dear friends I hope you like it and especially take the time to watch the video ... if you had a nice time and you think this post brings something to your knowledge and the community I appreciate your Upvote and your comments ... let me know your impressions.