The vihuela flourished in sixteenth century Spain, where it was favoured above the lute and other instruments. It shares much of its technique with the lute, but differs in the combination of right-hand techniques employed, such as Figueta castellana - the Spanish style of playing with the thumb outside of the fingers.

The 12 strings, paired into six unison courses, and its guitar-like shape create a magical sound.

Seven printed sources, published between 1536 and 1576, have survived. They contain fantasias, intabulations (transcriptions of vocal works), accompanied songs and diferencias which are variations on well-known tunes.