the viola caipira and the craviola are the 10 and 12-string guitars used in traditional brazilian music. although its roots are so ancient as to be untraceable, and related as it is to the the classical and flamenco guitars of spain and portugal, the caipira is the iconic guitar of brazil. though it has lately lost favor in some circles to the american-style acoustic guitar, it is still known as the brazilian instrument.

primarily associated with música sertaneja (country music) today, the caipira was once de rigeur in bands across brazil and is still used in celebrations for catira, fandango, foia de reis and many other folkloric festivals.