Parts of the Cuatro

Get to know your Cuatro. This lesson explains the different parts of the Cuatro. It is important to be able to describe your instrument and also to get to know it. Each Cuatro has specific characteristics and attributes. By using these features, you will be able to orientate yourself on your instrument. So if on the 8th fret there is a crack or a spot of wood which has a different color, you can use that as a reference.

Know the instrument you play and love your instrument!

Headstock

This is the head of the instrument where the strings are tightened. There are several different styles of headstock used depending on the type of tuner

Tuners

Pegs used to tune the strings individually. By turning the tuners it is possible to tune the strings (try not to tighten the strings too much….the strings may break!)

Nut

Typically a bone or plastic piece separating the headstock from the neck. The strings rest on this piece and are tense as they stay about 2 millimeters above from the neck

Strings

Four strings for the Cuatro used for producing the sound of the instrument.

Fretboard

The area where the strings are pressed to play different notes or to mark chords with.

Frets

Metal pieces which separate distances on the neck of the Cuatro. Each fret represents one semitone.

Sound Hole

Here is where the sound comes from whilst plucking the strings or strumming

Bridge

The section of the Cuatro where the strings are anchored. When changing the strings and placing new ones on the Cuatro, they first must be connected and fastened to the bridge.