What is bajo sexto?

Bajo sexto is a type of twelve-string guitar commonly used in Mexican music genres such as conjunto and norteño. Its name translates to "sixth bass" in English, referring to its tuning in sixth intervals. The instrument has a deep, rich sound and is typically played with a pick to create a rhythmic accompaniment for vocals and other instruments.

Bajo sexto is larger than a standard guitar, with a wider body and longer neck to accommodate the extra strings. It is usually tuned to EADGBE on the treble strings and AA, DD, GG, CC, FF, and BB on the bass strings. The bass strings are often doubled in octaves to create a fuller, more resonant sound.

Bajo sexto players often use alternate picking techniques and chord shapes to create complex rhythms and harmonies. The instrument is commonly used in traditional Mexican genres such as ranchera, corrido, and mariachi music, as well as in modern genres like Tejano and conjunto.

Overall, the bajo sexto is an integral part of Mexican musical traditions and plays a key role in defining the sound of many popular music styles in the region.