Charango

A folk instrument originating in South America born out of contact between the Spaniards and the indigenous people. It is mainly used by peoples of the Andes (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, etc). Classified as a " fretted lute ", the instrument is usually made from wood and the soundbox made from the shell of an armadillo. It has 5 pairs of strings with the 3rd and 5th being in octaves. It is played in a style similar to some forms of flamenco guitar; rapid strumming with intricate rhythmic patterns. Other instruments of the Andes include the Zampo'a and Quena.south American small guitar with 5 double strings. the body was traditionally made from an armadillo shell, though it was occasionally made from wood. it is commonly used in folk music, where it is played by strumming with the fingers across its strings