Frequently asked questions :
QUESTION: What is the charango?
ANSWER: The charango is a magical 10-string instrument from the Andes mountains,
Q: What is the standard charango tuning?
A: There are many diverse tunings of charango, the “standard” tuning is as follows (see image):
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. 196 pages.
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: Do you have a YouTube channel with Charango tutorials and Play Thrus of popular Medicine Songs?
A: Yes! Subscribe here and select the little bell for notifications when new videos are published.
Q: What charangos do you recommend? I am based in the US and looking for a quality charango in the US.
A: Look no further! Get yourself a beautiful Spiral Charango!
Q: Is there an Online Medicine Music Community you recommend?
A: Yes!! Visit Beyond Sounds - School of Medicine Music! Join the Whatsapp Group and enjoy incredible content, masterclasses, online Singing Circles and more!
Q; Where can I find more Charango Resources online?
A: Visit this website Charango para Todos of the Maestro Héctor Soto, with a lot of resources for you (in Spanish):
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 . 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: How can I make a contribution to an institute doing research on Andean music?
A: Visit the website of Taki Institute that preserves and celebrates the musical, spiritual, and educational traditions of the Andes and Amazon in the Sacred Valley.
Q: What is unique about your teaching style?
I have developed a metholodogy for teaching medicine music on charango - and for teaching charango to absolute beginners - so that they can bring songs to their communities, and to their hearts, in an approachable way.
This includes the creation of new didactic materials, exercises, TABs and arrangements.
I collaborate with educators in the Global South and help direct respect and resources back to the communities that sustain this instrument. I also support and collaborate with women and women-identified, Queer and LGBTQ+ Andean charanguistas.
We have a network of charango teachers, each with their own unique modalities, musical fortes and offerings.
Thank you for your interest. I humbly offer you lessons from my 25 years playing charango.
Q: Where do you prefer having strap buttons placed on your charango?
A: Here:
To support the work I humbly do daily researching the SOURCE of medicine songs and bringing you ethically-sourced content, you can Venmo me at @Monique-Mizrahi Thank you very much.
