Mariachi Composition, and Transcribing Project

Amigo - G Minor, As Performed by Pedro Fernandez

2010-06-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the Thirty-Ninth presentation of the MACT Project. Thank you for visiting this free mariachi sheet music website and blog. We are presenting Amigo, as performed by Pedro (Pedrito) Fernandez. This song is written for the Mariachi beginner and / intermediate. Also, since this song is written in G minor, Amigo is geared for a young singer with a higher range. Enjoy.

Hear an audio clip on youtube, here:

Click here to download the free PDF music

Beginning "Dollar Donor" campaing for MACT Project

2010-03-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

We are starting a Dollar Donor campaign so that the MACT Project can continue providing the mariachi community with Free Mariachi Sheet.

IF YOU:

Enjoy the quality of the Musical Compositions
Are a frequent MACT Project Visitor
A Mariachi enthusiast

Then, please help support the MACT Project. We are still going to continue to provide the best quality of music possible here at the MACT Project. ANY TYPE OF SUPPORT, EITHER SMALL (cents) OR LARGE, WILL HELP BRING THE MACT PROJECT AND FREE MARIACHI SHEET MUSIC TO MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE ON THE WEB AND IN YOUR COMMUNITIES.

Thanks in advance for you generosity,

MACT PROJECT

Cuando Yo Tenia Tu Edad, As Performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez

2010-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the MACT Project's Thirty-Eighth presentation of free mariachi sheet music featuring Jose Alfredo Jimenez's, Cuando Yo Tenia Tu Edad.

You can find this song on Jose Alfredo Jimenez's album entitled, El Cantinero: If you are looking for the CD, click on the image of the album to purchase it.

For added info about Jose Alfredo Jimenez, click here to learn about his life and career.

To listen to the audio of Cuando Yo Tenia Tu Edad, click here and Enjoy!

To download the Free Mariachi Music, click here!

Here is a sample of the music in pdf form:

Yo Quiero Ser, as performed by Vicente Fernandez--Free Sheet Music

2010-01-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon all,

Welcome to the Thirty-Seventh of the MACT Project, I hope everyone is doing well. Remember that the mactproject.org is a free Mariachi resource site where one can download free sheet music, all the time. Today we are presenting, Yo Quiero Ser, as performed by Vicente Fernandez.

For more information about the life of Vicente Fernandez, presented by wikipedia, click here:

One thing that stands out immediately about this song is the Guitar part: it is used as a Rhythmic instrument, muting the strings so that one could only hear a "chunking" sound and not chords.

Listen to the audio, here:

Also, the Guitar part acts like a foundation for the Vihuela part. For the most part, the Vihuela arrangement becomes the "frosting" of the piece, allowing a sharp sprinkling of chords--the chords, within the song, hardly strays away from basic triad chords.

Overall, I have always enjoyed this number. It is both simple and elegant. We hope you enjoy it:

Yo Quiero Ser, as performed by Vicente Fernandez
Click here for sheet music

No, as performed by Alejandro Fernandez, Free Mariachi Sheet Music

2010-01-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

Salutations All,

Welcome to the Thirty-Sixth presentation of the MACT Project, created to provide free Mariachi Sheet music, additional resources for the mariachi fan and player, and establishing a medium in which the Mariachi community can share, innovate, and preserve the beautiful music of mariachi.

No, as performed by Aljeandro Fernandez
--To learn more about Alejandro Fernandez, click on his name or here.

MACT PROJECT #36: NO, Alejandro Fernandez

   This request has been an interesting adventure because of the unexpected twists and turns the whole body of music presents: the song is highly, and secrectly, complex, having a high degree of layering between the string instruments, piano, and other synthesized instruments.
   But, this is only the beginning and doesn't account with having to deal with the primary problem: Alejandro Fernandez's overpowering vocals. First, I would like to clarify that Mr. Fernandez is a very talented individual and his skills help promote the beautiful music of Mexico and the Latin community, in general. My main concern is about the heavily unequaled balance of vocal and accompaniment on this track. There are points where Fernandez's voice is the only thing audible, leaving the musicians having to content, unsuccessfully, with the main attraction (okay, that was my only complaint.

   Because of instances where the accompaniment cannot be heard, I did the best one can to be as true to the original arrangement as possible. I attempted to keep the core parts of No intact while expanding arrangements in other areas.

Well, without further delay, here is the piece: No, as performed by Alejandro Fernandez.

For the FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF'S, CLICK HERE.

   --Listen to the audio for No, here:

Director's copy excerpt:

Si Sabes Agradecer, as performed by Nydia Rojas, accompanied by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

2010-01-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hello All.

Happy--late--holidays, happy new year and all that Jazz. This is the Thirty-fifth entry of the MACT Project and we are glad to get back into the swing of things.

As everyone knows, life can take people, and one, away from what one loves to do. But, we are still posting, still providing info for the mariachi and music enthusiast.

Si Sabes Agradecer, as performed by Nydia Rojas and accompanied by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez is a requested song from one of MACT Project's followers.

If you would like to purchase the album or song of Nydia Rojas, click on her name and image:

The first time that I listened to this album was in the mid-90's--it was a perfect storm: a beautiful girl, fascinated with the mariachi heritage, and she was / is good, too.

Also, the arrangements on her debut album is top-notch, raising the bar for innovative and exciting mariachi arrangements.

I hope that you enjoy this edition of the MACT Project. It is always a pleasure.

Here it is:

Si Sabes Agredecer, as performed by Nydia Rojas and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez.

Click here to Download PDF's of Sheet Music

For the audio, click here

Now, for something completely different:

Instead of posting the ENTIRE JPEGs of the music, we are only going to upload the Director's copy to view, as a JPEG.

Si Dios Me Quita La Vida, as Performed by Javier Solis

2009-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Greetings all,

Welcome to the Thirty-fourth presentation of the MACT Project, a requested song entitled, Si Dios Me Quita La Vida, as performed by Javier Solis. As stated in earlier blogs, Javier Solis' recordings are the standard for mariachi boleros being performed. Even newer arrangements, arrangements create for Luis Miguel and Pepe Aguilar, for example, still have the structure created by Javier Solis and his arrangers. It is always a joy to perform and transcribe his music.

Here it is:

Si Dios Me Quita La Vida, as performed by Javier Solis

To Download the Sheet Music, click here:

For the Album, check out this: Si DIos Me Quita La Vida (Album Version)

For the audio of this song, click here:

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Vihuela)

El Cobarde, as Performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez

2009-11-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Welcome to the thirty-third entry of the MACT Project presenting a requested song, El Cobarde, as performed by Jose Alferdo Jimenez. It was a pleasure transcribing this piece because it is a very popular song at parties and local restaurants--especially restaurants with a bar attached. Personally, I enjoy this piece's raw beauty and simplicity with a message that is pure emotion. I hope that you enjoy.

Here it is:

El Cobarde, as Performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez:

Click here to download the PDF sheet music

For the Audio of this song, click here: El Cobarde

To here the audio of this song, click here

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

De Que Manera Te Olvido, as Performed by Vicente Fernandez

2009-10-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Welcome to the Thirty-second presentation of the MACT Project, De Que Manera Te Olvido, as performed by Vicente Fernandez. This song is a tradition mexican standard that is performed, amongst the mariachi and their clients, all over the country and beyond. I am glad that someone requested this song. Vicente Fernandez ranks amongst on the top Mexican singers and interpreters of the Mariachi Rancheras of all time. Hope you guys enjoy this chart.

Here it is:

De Que Manera Te Olvido, as performed by Vicente Fernandez:

Click here to Download the Sheet Music

To purchase the song, click here: De Que Manera Te Olvido

To here the audio of this song, click here

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

El Gato, Son Tradicional, as performed by Mariachi Azteca

2009-10-29T17:00:00.001-07:00

Greetings all,

Welcome to the thirty-first entry of the MACT Project. We are happy to complete a request, El Gato, Son, as performed by Mariachi Azteca. This is a relatively unknown son, we had a hard time tracking down the audio for the request. Nonetheless, I was able to find a version of this song by Mariachi Azteca. After hearing it a couple of times, it sounds pretty good and is a good piece to throw into one's repertoire to spice-things-up.

Well here it goes: El Gato, son, as performed by Mariachi Azteca.

To download the sheet music, click here

To purchase the audio, click here:

For the audio to this song, click here:

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Las Copetonas, as Performed by Mariachi Cobre

2009-10-28T13:35:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

Welcome to the Thirtieth presentation of the MACT Project introducing a new request, Las Copetonas, as performed by Mariachi Cobre. We are very pleased that there are huge amounts of requests. This illustrates the alacrity and motivation people have for the music of mariachi. In future MACT Project presentations, we are going to be collaborating with people whom, after taking an interest in this project, want to be a part of this wonderful project.

Again, everyone, thanks for your support and appreciation for this project. It has helped us pull through and keep presenting wonderful music for everyone's enjoyment. Well, here it is:

Las Copetonas, as performed by Mariachi Cobre:

To download the PDF sheet music, click here:

Get the audio of the song, here: Las copetonas: Las Copetonas

To hear and alternate version of this song, click here

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Costumbres, as Performed by Rocio Durcal

2009-10-27T23:37:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

Welcome to the twenty-ninth entry of the MACT Project. Thank you for the support. Today we are presenting Costumbres, as performed by Rocio Durcal. This song is a requested piece and I hope that you guys enjoy it. Even though Rocio Durcal has not been with us for the last two or three years, I still can't believe that we will never be able to hear her beautiful voice live. I constantly kick myself for not taking advantage of going to see her perform live.

Well, here is the song, enjoy:

Costumbres, as performed by Rocio Durcal:

To download PDF sheet music, click here:

To hear an audio version of this song, click here:

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

(***editor's note: there is a misprint on trumpet 1 page--it says trumpet 2, ignore it and place trumpet 1 on it. Thanks***)

Ave Maria, as performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

2009-10-26T14:40:00.001-07:00

Greetings all,

Welcome to the twenty-eighth presentation of the MACT Project. Today we are presenting Ave Maria, as performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. It has always been difficult to find a decent recording and arrangement of this song. I finally came across a decent and immediately decided to transcribe it and pass it on to my mariachero friends. I hope you all enjoy this arrangement.

Here it is:

Ave Maria, as performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

To Download the PDF Mariachi Sheet Music,

Click Here

To hear an alternate audio version of this song, click here

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Rumbo Al Sur, as performed by Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico

2009-10-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings all,

Welcome to the twenty-seventh entry of the MACT Project. We are glad to present Rumbo Al Sur, as performed by Mariachi Alma de Mexico. Also, this entry is an original arrangement of this song. It was arranged to fit a young student's voice or quite possibly, a woman with a lower vocal range. If you are looking for this song, in a different key, let us know and we can possibly accommodate such requests.

Enjoy! Rumbo Al Sur, as performed by Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico:

Click here to download the sheet music in PDF form

For an audio version of this song, click here:

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

El Pescador de Hombres, as performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

2009-10-24T09:21:00.001-07:00

Howdy all,

Welcome to the twenty-sixth entry of the MACT Project. We are very excited to bring a "little-something-different:" El Pescador de Hombres, as performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. The audio for this version was given to me quite some time ago, this arrangement was on a Mariachi Misa CD--however, I think it was a specific couple who commissioned these arrangements from Mr. Jose Hernandez, I am not too sure though.

Although this is not the traditional Pan America version that ALL mariacheros are used to perform, it does have its positives: it is uniquely different. We will let you be the judge, and please give some feedback, it is always appreciated.

To download the PDF Sheet Music, Click Here

To hear the audio version of this arrangement, click here

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

No Tiene La Culpa El Indio, as performed by Los Hermanos Zaizar

2009-10-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

Welcome to the twenty-fifth presentation of the MACT Project, No Tiene La Culpa El Indio, as performed by Los Hermanos Zaizar. This song was requested to fit a mid to low range female voice. I don't know for sure, but I think that It may be possible for a male vocal, with a wide range, to sing this song. Personally, I like this song because it is an oldie-but-goodie. Los Hermanos Zaizar, were a great writing duo. Sometimes, in my opinion, these wonderfully talented musicians get lost in the shuffle within such great artists like, J.A. Jimenez, JuanGa, Javier Solis, Antonio Aguilar, etc.

I really enjoy there music and hope that you do, too. I am curious what you guys think about it?

Well, here it is:

No Tiene La Culpa El Indio, as performed by Los Hermanos Zaizar

Click here to Download the Sheet Music, Now:

To hear the audio of this song, click here:

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(***Editor's Note: during the conversion of PDF to JPEG, the images became lighter; thus, in some jpegs, the first line of the staff is hardly visible. The PDF's DO NOT HAVE this problem)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Vihuela)

De Torreon A Lerdo, as performed by Mariachi Mexico

2009-10-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

Salutations Everyone,

Welcome to the twenty-fourth installment of the MACT Project. We have had requests for more polkas to be added so we thought we would present De Torreon A Lerdo, as performed by Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa. Mariachi Mexico was considered, and still may be currently considered, the preeminent torch-holders of the Mariachi Polka.

Personally, I remember getting scolded by my father, also a mariachi musician, when I would go over polkas that weren't by Mariachi Mexico. At that time, I never really understood why he was so adamant that I study ONLY Mariachi Mexico polkas. But now I understand slightly: by default, in some form or another, Mariachi groups perform there polkas--if they are not entirely new arranges--under the framework laid down by Mariachi Mexico.

Well, here it is:

De Torreon A Lerdo, as performed by Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa.

Click here to download the PDF version

To hear an audio version, click here:

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Virgencita de Zapopan, as performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez

2009-10-22T15:30:00.001-07:00

Greetings all,

This is the twenty-third entry of the MACT Project, welcome. This week has been Request Week for the MACT Project. So, we present Virgencita de Zapopan, as performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez. Before tacking this song, I had a vague understanding of the song--I am sorry guys, you can strangle my neck later--but after listening to the song the beauty of J. A. Jimenez's lyrics are magnified. I have a NEW found respect for him and the musicians assisting in recording his priceless and timeless songs.

Well, here you go and please keep the requests and comments coming, they are really appreciated:

Virgencita de Zapopan, as performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez.

To Download the sheet music click below:

http://j.mp/bnyOPs

To hear Jose Alfredo Jimenez perform this song, click on the link below:

http://bit.ly/1hnOdL

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Cuando Estoy En Los Campos, as performed by Juan Gabriel

2009-10-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Welcome to the twenty-second MACT Project Presentation, Cuando Estoy En Los Campos, as performed by Juan Gabriel. This was a request that I was gladly to transcribe--a friend of mine has always wanted this arrangement and when I spoke to him about the MACT Project, he immediately requested this chart.

Personally, I enjoy listening, performing, and transcribing Juan Gabriel's music. Also, the arranger that Juan Gabriel has on his staff is top-notch and deserves recognition--if I knew his or her name, I would gladly give them props. On a side note, it would be fantastic to pick their brains about writing and arranging. Oh, to dream.

Well, here it is:

(Editor's note: Measure 53, 2nd time around, is where the Pre-coda sign to go to the Coda SHOULD BE, if already downloaded sheet music, please make that correction.)

Cuando Estoy En Los Campos, as performed by Juan Gabriel.

Click below to Download Sheet Music:

Hear it Cuando Estoy En Los Campos, by Juan Gabriel on YOUTUBE, Here: http://bit.ly/k5rbh

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

La Madrugada, as performed by Mariachi Cobre

2009-10-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

This is the twenty-first MACT Project entry entitled, La Madrugada, as performed by Mariachi Cobre. Yes, one can agree that there are hundreds of recordings of this title, but the arrangement that Mariachi Cobre performs is quite streamlined and very efficient.

First, if one listens carefully to the accents given by the Armonia section, they are in balance, enhance, and supports, the melodic parts--both vocal and instrumental. As stated earlier, the melodic arrangements are straight-forward and or not too technical and falls into that a traditional Son, in my humble opinion, should song like. Lastly, I like this audio version because it sounds like a regular mariachi ensemble. Meaning: that if one and one's group were to practice this song well, one can come close to sounding as professional as Cobre.

Well, here it is: La Madrugada, as performed by Mariachi Cobre.

Click Below for sheet music:

http://j.mp/bnyOPs

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

R n B Medley (Georgia, What's Going On, Respect, Natural Woman)

2009-10-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

For the twentieth installment of the MACT Project, we would like to introduce an original arrangement: The RnB Medley. The songs included in the medley are the following: Georgia On My Mind, What's Going On, Respect, and Natural Woman. This medley is specifically geared for female vocals. It is a lot of fun to perform. This medley was written for Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana as they were preparing for the Tucson Mariachi Conference, a couple of years ago. I hope you enjoy.

RnB Medley:

Click below for Sheet Music

http://j.mp/bnyOPs

Here are three seperate audio clips of the themes selected for this R n B Medley

Georgia on My Mind, Ray Charles: http://bit.ly/4uzVI

What's Going On, Marvin Gaye: http://bit.ly/4GhX14

Respect, Aretha Franklin: http://bit.ly/o8kno

Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin: http://bit.ly/2F3WaG

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Vihuela)

Regalame Este Beso, as performed by Javier Solis

2009-10-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

For the nineteenth entry of the MACT Project, we would like to do something different. This project has been receiving many requests to transcribe and arrange; so, we decided to chose one of the first requests made by Mr. Diego Renteria--Regalame Este Beso, as performed by Javier Solis.

Transcribing "older recordings" of legendary vocalists are always a treat; however, they come with a few challenges: 1) the recordings are old: therefore, the recording equipment used to record the musicians lack the clarity necessary to truly hear distinct notes that are often hidden under the vocalist or other ambient sound; 2) very little editing is done to the music--meaning, that the musicians usually had 'one-shot' or one take to get the song right, if they messed up, they would have to do a whole other take or keep it as it. Nonetheless, it was a pleasure fulfilling this special request and as always, their is a slight update in the arrangement. Enjoy and keep them coming.

Regalame Este Beso, as performed by Javier Solis.

Click Below to Download Sheet Music

http://j.mp/bnyOPs

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Click Below to Download Sheet Music

http://bit.ly/1CP7AI

Cielito Lindo Huasteco, as Performed by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

2009-10-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Salutations all,

Welcome to the eighteenth entry of the MACT Project, Cielito Lindo Huasteco, as performed by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. This the updated version of said song. Although it is considered a transcription of said song, we added a little spice and color in the song. So, one can debate whether Cielito Lindo, as it is being presented, is a transcription or an arrangement of the song--because it is a little of both. Well, we talk about that some other time.

Here it is: Cielito Lindo Huasteco, as performed by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan.

Click below to download parts:

http://j.mp/bnyOPs

Check out the Audio on youtube, performed by Mariachi Vargas in Japan:

http://bit.ly/45a9uq

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Click below to download parts:

http://bit.ly/3U50s7

Son de El Triste, as performed by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

2009-10-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome all,

This is the seventeenth presentation of the MACT Project. Today we present a son entitled, El Triste, as performed by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. This transcription is taken from earlier recordings of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. This arrangement, I believe, is the more accessible arrangement, out of the others recorded. When playing with other mariachis, I would usually play this version in 95 % of its entirety. Usually, the only variations I have seen and heard are armonia accents combined with Guitarron phrasing.

Well, here you go. Enjoy!

Click below to Download PDFs.

Check out an audio click of this song with Mariachi Vargas--this is the closest audio clip that I can find: http://bit.ly/5cAnw

(Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3)

(Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Guitarron, Armonia)

Click below to Download PDFs.

http://bit.ly/4bxO06

Director's Copies now on MACT Project

2009-10-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

For everyone that was inquiring about Director's copies, they are now available for download.

Also, the MACT Project would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding; we are heading up a huge undertaking. We want to make Mariachi music available for all. Slowly but surely, we are making progress. However, without the support of mariachi--internet savvy--enthusiasts, this project would not be possible. Please, keep the suggestions and song lists coming.

Thanks,

Plucking Mingus

MACT Project

Click below for downloads:

http://j.mp/bnyOPs