Braguinha
The Braguinha (also known as Machete) is a traditional instrument of Madeira. It is thought to descend from the Cavaquinho and to have later given rise to other cavaquinhos around the world.
Cavaquinho
The Cavaquinho is probably the most played traditional instrument in Portugal. Originally from the Minho region, it is part of every folk ensemble in the north of the country.
Brazilian Cavaquinho
The Brazilian cavaquinho (or “cavaco”) descends from the Portuguese Cavaquinho. It has the same string length but a significantly larger soundbox.
Cape Verdean Cavaquinho
A descendant of the Portuguese Cavaquinho, this instrument has “grown” a little, with a longer string length and a larger soundbox than its ancestor. With 4 courses and usually tuned like the first 4
Rajão
The Rajão is the most popular instrument in Madeiran folk music. With 5 courses of strings, its tuning resembles that of the first 5 strings of a classical guitar. Some argue it descends from the Fren
Ukulele
Although typical of Hawaii, the ukulele is a direct descendant of the Rajão, the most representative instrument of Madeira. It was Portuguese emigrants who, in the 19th century, took to Hawaii the ins