The resonator guitar, often referred to as dobro, is an instrument whose names are frequently used interchangeably. However, a resonator guitar refers to a broader category of guitars that includes the dobro. To better understand the relationship between the dobro and resonator guitars, it is essential to delve into their history. Invented and popularized in...
The bandolin is a stringed musical instrument that belongs to the chordophone family. It has a shape similar to that of a guitar but is slightly smaller and more rounded. Discussing the bandolin can be challenging since there are many variations in size and number of strings. It is often used in various musical genres,...
The zither is undoubtedly one of the oldest musical instruments, and perhaps one of the most famous among ancient instruments. Today, it is rare to find one, let alone someone who can play it, as it has been “overtaken” by instruments like the guitar, sitar, and other string instruments that are its direct descendants. However,...
Despite being considered a true art form, with great composers creating culture through their music, it’s undeniable that music has popular roots. The charango, a string instrument of South American origin, is a perfect example. Classified as a composite chordophone with parallel plucked strings under the Hornbostel-Sachs system with the number 321.321-5, it vaguely resembles...
Second in popularity only to the violin, distinguished by its size, tuning, and sound, the cello, or violoncello, with its dark and somber tones, is considered the most romantic and expressive string instrument, featuring a timbre closest to the human voice. A solo interpreter of melodies with strong emotional content, it also plays a fundamental...
One of the most celebrated and cherished stringed instruments in European history is undoubtedly the lute. Its widespread use during the Renaissance made it an exceptional tool for crafting unforgettable melodies. Below, we will explore its origins, structure, and how best to play it. What is the Lute The lute is a plucked string instrument...
The battente guitar (in italian chitarra battente) emerged during the 17th century, a period when the city of Rome became the epicenter for the production of metal strings, which would come to define the instrument’s sound. Subsequently, numerous production centers sprang up, mainly located in southern Italy. Originally, the Italian guitar was played by cultured...
Throughout history, the evolution of music has been constant and rich with innovations. Among the most loved and used musical instruments is undoubtedly the piano, now an inexhaustible source of melodies for every musical genre. Not everyone knows that the piano has equally important ancestors, such as the clavichord, whose features and playing techniques we...
The guitar is perhaps the most widely used musical instrument on the planet, but not everyone knows that, to reach its current form, it has undergone numerous evolutions over centuries of history, starting with the baroque guitar. Today, there are many types of guitars; the most well-known are undoubtedly the classical and electric, but others,...
The viola is a plucked string instrument belonging to the string family; it is similar in size to the violin (slightly larger) but has a deeper tone.Its history is long and fascinating, dating back to the Middle Ages. During this period, the viola was mainly used as a chamber instrument, to accompany the voice or...
