The word "Guabina" refers to the musical style, as well as a type of fish or a tool used to control domestic animals.
The features of this music are based on dances and lifestyles of the people from Antioquia, Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Tolima, and, Huila.
There are other samples of music from Tolima Grande as "Guabina Huilense" by Carlos E. Cortes, or "La Suite Colombiana No.
History references Guabina from the end of the 18th century, becoming more popular among potters and singers from Santander during Christmas holidays, and farmers’ parties.
The basic instruments to perform Guabina are tiple, carraca, capador, pandereta, requinto, esterilla, bandola and chucho or alfandoque.