Exploring Peruvian Guitar: Playlist Guide

Peruvian music is a tapestry woven from the country’s rich cultural heritage, blending Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences into a vibrant and diverse soundscape. From the festive energy of huayño to the deep grooves of festejo, Peruvian guitar styles showcase a vast range of rhythms, melodies, and playing techniques.

In our Peruvian Guitar Styles course with Camilo Menjura, you’ll delve into these traditions, learning the techniques that bring them to life on the guitar. This playlist is designed to accompany the course, providing essential listening for understanding each genre’s unique character. While the recommended versions are listed below, some tracks on our Spotify playlist may be alternate versions due to availability.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these styles, click here to explore the full course.

The Spirit of the Andes: Huayño

Huayño is one of the most recognizable Andean musical styles, originating from the Indigenous communities of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It features lively tempos, pentatonic melodies, and a strong rhythmic drive, making it a staple at festivals and social gatherings. The guitar plays a key role in harmonic accompaniment, often complementing instruments like the charango and quena.

• “Valicha” – Miguel Ángel Hurtado
• “Ojos Azules” – Los Kjarkas
• “Adiós Pueblo de Ayacucho” – Los Uros De Titicaca

Elegance in Melody: Peruvian Waltz (Vals Criollo)

The Peruvian Waltz, or Vals Criollo, blends European waltz forms with Afro-Peruvian and Indigenous rhythmic influences. Characterized by intricate fingerpicking patterns and poetic lyricism, this genre captures the nostalgia and romance of Peruvian music. Artists like Chabuca Granda and Felipe Pinglo Alva shaped its golden era, creating timeless compositions still performed today.

• “La Flor de la Canela” – Chabuca Granda
• “José Antonio” – Chabuca Granda
• “El Plebeyo” – Felipe Pinglo Alva
• “Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir” – Ángel Cabral
• “Fina Estampa” – Chabuca Granda
• “Nuestro Secreto” – Lucha Reyes
• “Y Se Llama Perú” – Arturo ‘Zambo’ Cavero
• “Contigo Perú” – Arturo ‘Zambo’ Cavero & Óscar Avilés

Festive Rhythms: Carnavalito

Carnavalito is a joyous, dance-driven genre rooted in the Indigenous traditions of the Andean highlands. With its fast-paced rhythms and lively instrumentation, it is commonly performed during celebrations, bringing people together through music and dance.

• “El Humahuaqueño” – Edmundo Zaldívar
• “Carnavalito Quebradeño” – Los Kjarkas

Afro-Peruvian Heritage: Festejo

Festejo is one of the most energetic Afro-Peruvian musical styles, featuring percussive rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and syncopated guitar patterns. Originating from Peru’s African-descended communities, festejo remains a powerful expression of cultural identity and resilience.

• “Le Dije a Papá” – Eva Ayllón
• “Toro Mata” – Susana Baca
• “Azúcar de Caña” – Perú Negro
• “Señor de los Milagros” – Óscar Avilés

The Deep Groove of Landó

Landó is another essential Afro-Peruvian style, known for its slow, syncopated rhythms and deep emotional expression. The guitar in landó often mimics the phrasing of the cajón (Peruvian box drum), creating a rich and percussive interplay between melody and rhythm.

• “Samba Malató” – Susana Baca
• “Ingá” – Eva Ayllón
• “Negrita Caridad” – Lucila Campos

Discover the Sounds of Peruvian Guitar

This playlist serves as a gateway into the intricate rhythms, harmonies, and traditions of Peruvian music. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced melodies of huayño or the deep rhythmic pulse of festejo, each style offers a unique perspective on the country’s musical heritage.

If you want to take your understanding further, click here to start your journey with the Peruvian Guitar Styles course, where Camilo Menjura will guide you through the techniques, rhythms, and musical traditions that make Peruvian guitar so captivating.