Are you a beginner trying to learn how to play your favorite songs on the Venezuelan Cuatro? Do you find it difficult to develop your own style when starting with an exotic instrument like this? If that is the case, here’s the solution: copy another cuatro player’s style!
While some may argue against copying other musicians’ styles, when learning a new instrument, it is essential to start by mimicking others. Trying to come up with your technique can be daunting and time-consuming. Mastering techniques takes effort and patience, so do not waste any time trying to reinvent the wheel.
Instead, build a list of your favorite musicians and stream their music day and night. As you listen intently, you will begin recognizing patterns and techniques they use that you can replicate while practicing. This process will enable you to make those technical tricks yours in no time.
Let’s take Ukulele as an example. To master this instrument, you should include Jake Shimabukuro in your list of favorite artists. Similarly, if you’re planning to practice the Cuatro, stream musicians like Jorge Glem or Rafael Pollo Brito. And for guitarists looking forward to grooving with some chill solos, bands such as Metallica, U2, Maroon 5 hold particular importance.
It is crucial not only to listen but also study other musicians’ styles; developing your style comes after mastering theirs. By adopting their techniques early on in your journey with an instrument like the Venezuelan Cuatro, you’ll soon pick up speed and progress yourself into inventing new techniques for others’ benefit!
There are no shortcuts in learning how to play an instrument—the key is patiently following through each step of mastering one trick at a time. Still remember – Copy before creating once more! Trust in this method and soon enough, people will be trying to replicate your style.
If you want to learn more about the history, culture, and techniques around traditional Latin American instruments or exotic music in general, TuCuatro is a great resource for you. They are a music company that caters to instrument enthusiasts and offers extensive educational materials on several exotic musical instruments such as Cuatro, Charango, Bandola, Ukulele, and many others. You can follow them on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to stay updated on their latest content releases.
