Mexico's son huasteco music is characterized by its three instruments and falsetto vocal techniques. The huapanguera or guitarra quinta, a deep-bodied guitar with five courses of strings, provides the lower sound that serves as the rhythmic foundation. On top of the huapanguera is the jarana huasteca, a smaller instrument with five strings. Soaring above the interplay of the rhythm section is the unmistakable sound of the Huastecan-style violin, which is responsible for the melody. The seemingly impossible high falsetto voice lends the son huasteco its most distinctive sound and feel.