The Chitarrone is a kind of lute that was popular around 1600. It has an extended neck to hold the very long bass strings. These strings have no fingerboard, and are played "open" - each string sounding only its own pitch. The high (short) strings have their own fingerboard with frets, and are fingered like those of the modern guitar.
Family |
Strings |
Pitch range |
Up to four octaves. |
Material |
Wooden body and neck, with strings of gut or metal. |
Size |
Up to about 6 ft (1.80 m) long, of which the body is 28 in (70 cm). |
Origins |
The chitatrrone first appeared in Italy during the 16th century, and was in common use there until the middle of the 17th century. |
Classification |
Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
And also... |
The name of the chitarrone stems from the Greek word "kithara," which translates as "lyre." Like the ancient Greek lyre, the chitarrone was used mainly to accompany solo singing. |