The charango dates back at least to the 18th century during Spanish colonial times. It is a local adaptation of the Spanish guitar and/or vihuela of the time. Its distribution follows the main colonial era trade routes through the Andes.
Where is the charango originated?
The charango is the Spanish guitar's little South-American brother. The instrument is thought to have originated some three hundred years ago in the "silver city" Potosi, in what is now Bolivia. It may have been devised by Indian musicians after the example of the guitars or mandolins of the Spanish conquistadors.
Where is the charango used?
The charango has become one of the most popular instruments in the Andean regions of Bolivia, Peru and northern Argentina. The Quéchua and Aimara country folk of Peru and Bolivia prefer the charango with a flat wooden resonator and metal strings.
