Rajão

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Rajão
Rajao in Porto.jpg
5-string rajão
String instrument
Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Developed Madeira, Portugal
Related instruments
Ukulele, cavaquinho, timple

The rajão (Portuguese: machete de rajão) is a stringed instrument from Madeira, Portugal. It has 5 or 6 strings in 5 courses and is tuned D4, G4, C4, E4, A4. When it has 6 strings, the highest pitched course is doubled. The rajão also comes with all 5 courses doubled, though these are less common. The strings are made of steel. The rajão was taken to Hawaii, along with the braguinha (a type of cavaquinho from Madeira) and evolved into the ukulele.

Re-entrant tuning used by the rajão

References