Kantele
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The Kantele is a plucked folk zither from Finland. There are many different tunings and playing techniques for the kantele, which depend on the type of music and the area in which it is being played. In general, the fingertips of the right hand pluck the melody, while the left hand stops the other strings from vibrating.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| Variable. This kantele has a range of 5 notes. |
| Material |
| Wood, with metal strings. |
| Size |
| 18-31 in (45-78 cm) long, 1-3 in (3-8 cm) deep. |
| Origins |
| Similar types of instrument are played throughout the Baltic region. Early forms of the kantele have been played by musicians from Russia and Poland since the 11th century. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| The kantele is such an important instrument to the Finnish people that it can be studied at the music schools in the capital Helsinki. |
