Learn To Play Corridos On Guitar: A Beginner's Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn how to play those awesome corridos you hear all the time? Well, you're in the right place! Corridos, with their storytelling lyrics and vibrant melodies, are a super cool part of Mexican musical heritage. This guide is all about how to play corridos on guitar, even if you're just starting out. We'll break down everything from the basics of guitar playing to the specific techniques you'll need to nail those classic corridos. Get ready to strum, sing, and maybe even impress your friends and family with your newfound musical skills!

Getting Started: Your Guitar and the Basics

Alright, before we dive into the juicy stuff, let's make sure you've got the essentials covered. First things first: you'll need a guitar. A nylon-string acoustic guitar (sometimes called a classical guitar) is a great choice for beginners because the strings are easier on your fingers. Steel-string acoustics work too, but they might be a bit tougher at first. If you don't have a guitar yet, don't sweat it! There are tons of affordable options out there, both online and in music stores. Check out some starter packs that include the guitar, a case, a tuner, and maybe even some lessons.

Once you've got your guitar, you'll need to tune it. A guitar tuner is your best friend here. You can get a clip-on tuner, a pedal tuner, or even use a tuner app on your phone. Standard tuning for a guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e (from the thickest string to the thinnest). Practice tuning your guitar regularly; it's super important to develop your ear and get a feel for the instrument. Next up, learn the basic parts of the guitar: the headstock (where the tuning pegs are), the neck (where you'll be placing your fingers), the frets (the metal bars that divide the neck), the soundhole (on an acoustic guitar), and the body. Understanding these parts will help you follow along with tutorials and understand guitar terminology.

Now, let's talk about holding the guitar. Sit up straight, either on a chair or a stool. Place the guitar's body on your right leg (if you're right-handed) or your left leg (if you're left-handed). The guitar should rest comfortably against your body. The neck of the guitar should be angled slightly upwards, making it easier to see and reach the frets. Next, learn how to strum! Use a pick (or your fingers, if you prefer) and strum across the strings, either downwards (downstroke) or upwards (upstroke). Practice alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes to create a consistent rhythm. Try strumming all the strings at once, then experiment with strumming only some of the strings. This is all about mastering the fundamentals. And finally, find a comfortable position for your fretting hand. Your fingers should be curved, with your fingertips pressing down on the strings behind the frets. Avoid pressing down too hard; you only need enough pressure to get a clear sound. Let's start with the basics.

Essential Chords for Corridos

Alright, now for the fun part: learning chords! Chords are the building blocks of most songs, including corridos. There are a few essential chords that you'll encounter again and again. Learning these will give you a solid foundation for playing a wide variety of corridos.

First up, the G major chord. Place your second finger on the sixth string (E) at the third fret, your first finger on the fifth string (A) at the second fret, and your third finger on the first string (e) at the third fret. Strum all the strings, making sure each one rings out clearly. Next, the C major chord. Place your third finger on the fifth string (A) at the third fret, your second finger on the fourth string (D) at the second fret, and your first finger on the second string (B) at the first fret. Strum the strings, avoiding the sixth string (E). The D major chord is next! Place your third finger on the second string (B) at the third fret, your second finger on the first string (e) at the second fret, and your first finger on the third string (G) at the second fret. Strum all the strings. Now the Em (E minor) chord. Place your second finger on the fifth string (A) at the second fret and your first finger on the fourth string (D) at the second fret. Strum all the strings. Lastly, the Am (A minor) chord. Place your second finger on the fourth string (D) at the second fret, and your first finger on the second string (B) at the first fret, your third finger on the third string (G) at the second fret. Strum all the strings.

Practice switching between these chords smoothly and quickly. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Remember to keep your fingers curved and press down firmly behind the frets to get clean notes. You can find chord diagrams online or in guitar chord books to help you visualize the finger placements. As you progress, you can add more chords to your repertoire, but these are the main ones you'll use to start. These are the core chords for corridos. Don't get discouraged if it takes some time to get the hang of it. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there!

Corridos Rhythm and Strumming Patterns

Okay, so you've got your chords down? Awesome! Now, let's work on the rhythm and strumming patterns that give corridos their distinctive sound. Corridos often feature a driving, upbeat rhythm, so you'll want to focus on keeping a steady beat. A popular and useful strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up. Practice this pattern with a metronome to keep your timing consistent. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, it'll become second nature. You can also vary the strumming pattern to add more texture. For example, you might use a pattern like down-down-up-down-up or down-up-down-up. Experiment with different patterns to find what sounds best for the specific corrido you're playing. Listen carefully to recordings of corridos and try to identify the strumming patterns they use. This will help you understand how to apply different patterns to create the desired sound.

Another important aspect of the rhythm is the use of accents. Accents are when you emphasize certain beats in the strumming pattern. This helps add a driving feel to the music. To add accents, simply strum the strings a little harder on certain beats. Practice accenting different beats to see how it changes the feel of the music. You can also experiment with muting the strings by lightly touching them with your fretting hand. This creates a percussive sound that adds another layer of rhythmic complexity. Try incorporating muted strums into your strumming patterns to add a unique flavor to your playing. Understanding rhythm is key for a solid performance. Remember, the goal is to create a groove that makes people want to tap their feet and sing along! Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and the song.

Classic Corrido Techniques

Alright, time to get into some classic corrido techniques that will really make your playing sound authentic. One of the most important techniques is using the rasgueado. This is a fast, downward strumming technique used to create a percussive and rhythmic effect. The rasgueado is often used to add emphasis to the rhythm and create a driving feel. To perform a rasgueado, use the back of your fingernails to strum the strings quickly and forcefully downwards. Start with the strings closest to the floor and move towards the thinnest string. Practice this technique slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed. Remember to keep your wrist relaxed and use a loose strumming motion. Another common technique is using arpeggios. Arpeggios involve playing the individual notes of a chord one at a time, rather than strumming them all at once. This adds a delicate and melodic element to your playing. To play an arpeggio, pluck the strings of the chord with your fingers, one at a time. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to create different sounds.

Another trick for making your playing more authentic is using hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques involve using your fretting hand to create notes without strumming the strings. To perform a hammer-on, pluck a string and then quickly press down another finger on the same string at a higher fret. To perform a pull-off, pluck a string and then quickly remove one of your fretting-hand fingers to sound a lower note. Experiment with these techniques to add more flavor to your playing. Listen to recordings of corridos and pay close attention to the guitar parts. Try to identify the techniques that the guitarists are using. Practice mimicking these techniques to improve your own playing. Finally, consider using a capo. A capo is a device that clamps onto the neck of your guitar, shortening the strings and raising the pitch of the instrument. Using a capo can make it easier to play certain chords and can also change the key of the song to better suit your vocal range. By incorporating these techniques, you'll be well on your way to playing corridos with authenticity and flair. Let's make it sound good.

Learning Popular Corrido Songs

Now, let's put it all together by learning some popular corrido songs. There are tons of great corridos out there, so I'll give you a few suggestions to get you started. One of the most popular corridos is “El Rey” by José Alfredo Jiménez. This song uses simple chords (G, C, D) and a straightforward strumming pattern, making it a great choice for beginners. Next, try “Cielito Lindo”, a classic Mexican folk song that’s often played as a corrido. It uses the chords G, C, and D, but it's important to remember it's a very famous song in Mexican culture, so be sure to get the rhythm right! Another good song to learn is “La Barca de Guaymas”. This one has a slightly more complex chord progression but is still manageable for beginners. Another popular song to learn is “Amor Eterno” by Juan Gabriel. This one has a sad but famous history, so make sure you give it the respect it deserves when learning. You can easily find the chords and lyrics for these songs online. There are many websites and YouTube channels dedicated to providing guitar tutorials. Use these resources to learn the chords, strumming patterns, and techniques you need to play each song. Start by learning the basic chords and strumming pattern, then gradually add more advanced techniques as you get more comfortable. Don't be afraid to slow down the tempo and practice each section of the song separately. As you get better, try to play along with the original recordings to improve your timing and develop your ear. Practice, practice, practice! The more you play, the better you'll get. And don't forget to have fun! Playing these songs is about enjoying the music and sharing it with others. Once you've learned a few songs, try writing your own corrido. Use the knowledge you've gained to create your own unique songs.

Practice Tips and Resources

Okay, before you go, here are some practice tips and resources to help you on your guitar journey. First, set realistic goals. Don't try to learn everything at once. Start with the basics and gradually add more complex techniques. Consistency is key! Practice regularly, even if it's just for 15-30 minutes a day. This will help you make steady progress and build muscle memory. Create a dedicated practice space. Find a comfortable and quiet place where you can focus on your playing. This will help you stay motivated and avoid distractions. Use a metronome. A metronome is a device that provides a steady beat. It's essential for developing good timing and rhythm. There are many free metronome apps available for your phone. Record yourself playing. This is a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back to your recordings and focus on your timing, accuracy, and overall sound. Take breaks. It's important to take breaks when you're practicing to avoid fatigue and burnout. Stretch your hands and wrists regularly to prevent injuries. Find a teacher or take online lessons. A good teacher can provide personalized feedback and help you develop good playing habits. There are many online guitar lessons and tutorials available. Explore different resources. There are many websites, YouTube channels, and books that offer guitar lessons and tutorials. Experiment with different resources to find what works best for you. Join a guitar community. Connect with other guitar players online or in person. This can be a great way to share tips, learn new songs, and stay motivated. Finally, don't give up! Learning the guitar takes time and effort. There will be times when you get frustrated, but don't let that discourage you. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually reach your goals. I can't wait for you to start.

So there you have it, guys! Everything you need to get started playing corridos on guitar. Remember to have fun, be patient, and enjoy the journey. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)