A guitar orchestra is a performance group made up primarily of guitarists, with some percussion, wind, and string instruments thrown in for good measure. There are also various types of guitars, such as alto, contra, and bass. A guitar orchestra is divided into several sections, each of which performs a different part of the score. These bands can perform in a variety of genres, ranging from classical to pop. Guitar orchestras can be found in countries all over the world, including Japan, Mexico, and the United States.
In a typical Japanese guitar orchestra, there are four different types of guitars. The alto, prime, bass, and contrabass are the four instruments. The highest tones are found in the first two guitars, with the prime resembling a traditional classical guitar the most. Because they have lower tones, the latter types tend to provide rhythm while the alto and prime take care of the melody.
Three different guitar types are commonly used in Mexican guitar orchestras. The requinto is the highest guitar. The classical guitar provides the middle tones. Either a bass guitar or a lower-toned contrabass provides the lowest notes and rhythm.
A guitar orchestra in the United States is usually a larger group of at least twenty players. This type of ensemble can have anywhere from four to eight sections. The players are usually arranged in a way that resembles that of a traditional string orchestra, and these types of bands frequently use instruments other than guitars.
There are also orchestras made up primarily of electric guitars. Although some ensembles play a variety of styles, these groups tend to focus on avant-garde music. There are also bands that use both electric and acoustic instruments in their performances.
A guitar orchestra can produce a variety of sounds depending on the size of the group. The cumulative effect can vary greatly because there are several different types of guitars with tones ranging from the highest to the lowest registers. The groups have a sound that is similar to that of a large harp.
The idea of a one-instrument orchestra has been around for a while. Mandolin and balalaika orchestras are examples of similar groups. A mandolin and guitar orchestra, for example, will have primarily two instruments. String instruments are commonly used in single instrument groups because they can produce a wide range of sounds bowing, plucking, and using the instrument’s body for light percussion.