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
Portuguese Guitar (Coimbra model)
The Portuguese guitar currently has two models in wide use in Portuguese music. The Coimbra model is easily told apart from the Lisbon model by the shape of its body and head. Seen from the front, its
Portuguese Guitar (Lisbon model)
The Portuguese guitar currently has two models in wide use in Portuguese music. The Lisbon model is easily told apart from the Coimbra model by the shape of its body and head. Seen from the front, its
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