FAQs
Q: What is the Charango?
A: The Charango is a 10-string instrument from the Andes mountains,
Q: I love ceremonial charango playing, but so many of the medicine songs I love are composed on guitar - and I can’t figure out how to play it, but really feel resonance and a deep pull to connect personally with the field that song carries. Do you provide adaptation of songs for playing on charango?
A: Yes I do. Email me at charangowithmonique@gmail.com with ANY song you would like to play on charango - and I will quote you on preparing the music for you. Exchange varies per the complexity of the song.
Options include:
-An arrangement made specifically for charango of the song you choose. Recent example: ”Hymno” by Awarë. Includes preparation of sheet music (standard notation) with 5-line easy-to-read TAB.
-A transcription of a charango song/part, done earlier this year for “Naturaleza Divina” by Loli Cosmica.
-A Chord and Lyric Sheet, with key and chords adapted for your level of charango playing.
Q: Are there any Method Books available in English to deepen my studies?
A: Yes. There is the Charango Method book by Horacio Durán and Ítalo Pedrotti, first published in Chile in 2010. In Spanish with excellent side-by-side translation in English by Julius Reder Carlson. It is a great resource for intermediate-to-advanced players looking to dive into Andean rhythms, arpeggios and repertoire.
For more advance harmony studies applied to the charango, order a copy of The Spirit of Charango, Study Method by José Escobedo, 2023. in Spanish & English (translation by Tina Hagar and Monique Mizrahi.) Includes section on intervals and drop2s and scales as well a contemporary repertoire of original compositions for charango. 196 pages. Created in part with funding from the Chilean Fondo de Cultura.
Q: Can you recommend a book in English of Easy Exercises for learning charango?
A: You can access assorted exercises here on my website and hear them on my YouTube channel, however at the moment I don’t know of a book of this sort. One is in development right now and if you’d like to pre-order and/or fund it, email me. Thanks!
Q: What strings do you use?
A: I use Aquila Corde sugar strings, they are made of cane sugar derivatives, an innovative bio-plastic that gives a bright sounds with shimmering sustain, which I especially enjoy for my light graceful touch when playing.
Q: Where can I find a quality charango to buy on my upcoming travels to Peru?
A: Please email me at charangowithmonique@gmail.com with at least 2 weeks lead time, sharing where you will be in the country and your budget - and I can put you in contact with an excellent local luthier.
Charango lessons are fun!
Charango chords are easy to play
Subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE!
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If you wish to support the research and investigation I do into connecting to the SOURCE of medicine songs and bringing you high-quality music, with ethically-sourced and valuable content, you can! to Venmo @Monique-Mizrahi Thank you!
