Jarana huasteca

Not to be confused with Jarana jarocha.

The jarana huasteca, jarana de son huasteco or jaranita is a string instrument. It is most often called simply jarana. It is a guitar-like chordophone with 5 strings, tuned in thirds (low to high): G, B, D, F# and A. It has a range similar to the mandolin,^[1] and a scale length of around 40 cm.

Jarana Huasteca tuning

Jarana huasteca playing El fandanguito

A son huasteco trio, featuring a violin, jarana huasteca and huapanguera

Jarana huasteca

Jarana huasteca
String
Other names	Jarana de son huasteco, jaranita
Classification	String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	(Composite chordophone)
Developed	Mexico
Related instruments
Huapanguera

The instrument usually forms part of the trío huasteco ensemble, along with the quinta huapanguera and violin, taking on the role of the rhythmic accompaniment. It is usually used to play huasteca music.

Compared to the guitarra huapanguera, the instrument is smaller and higher-pitched.