Looking for a cittern?

Table of Contents:

• What is a cittern?

• History of the cittern

• Types of citterns

• FAQ

What is a cittern?

A cittern is a stringed instrument that is played with a plectrum. It has a long, narrow body and a fretted fingerboard. The cittern is a member of the lute family, and it is closely related to the guitar.

The cittern originated in Europe in the Middle Ages. It was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and it was used to play folk music and dance music. The cittern fell out of favor in the Classical period, but it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Today, the cittern is used to play a variety of musical styles, including folk music, Celtic music, and Renaissance music. It is also used in some contemporary music genres, such as jazz and blues.

The cittern is a versatile instrument that can produce a wide range of sounds. It is a beautiful instrument to listen to, and it is also a lot of fun to play. If you are looking for a new stringed instrument to learn, the cittern is a great option.

History of the cittern

The cittern is a stringed instrument that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East, and it was brought to Europe by the Moors in the 13th century. The cittern was popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and it was used to play a variety of music genres, including folk music, dance music, and classical music.

The cittern fell out of favor in the 18th century, but it was revived in the 20th century by folk musicians and classical guitarists. Today, the cittern is still played by a small number of musicians, and it is considered to be a unique and beautiful instrument.

Types of citterns

There are many different types of citterns, each with its own unique set of features. Some of the most common types of citterns include:

• The Renaissance cittern is a type of cittern that was popular in Europe during the Renaissance period. It has a pear-shaped body and a long neck with frets.
• The Baroque cittern is a type of cittern that was popular in Europe during the Baroque period. It has a teardrop-shaped body and a shorter neck than the Renaissance cittern.
• The English cittern is a type of cittern that was popular in England during the 17th and 18th centuries. It has a round body and a short neck.
• The American cittern is a type of cittern that was developed in the United States in the 19th century. It has a square body and a long neck.

Each type of cittern has its own unique sound and playing style. The Renaissance cittern is known for its bright, clear sound, while the Baroque cittern has a more mellow, rounded sound. The English cittern is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of musical styles, while the American cittern is often used for folk music and blues.

How to play the cittern

The cittern is a stringed instrument that is played by plucking the strings with the fingers. The cittern has a pear-shaped body and a long neck with frets. The strings are arranged in pairs, with each pair tuned to the same note. The cittern is played in a variety of genres, including folk music, Renaissance music, and Celtic music.

To play the cittern, you will need to learn how to hold the instrument, how to tune the strings, and how to play chords and melodies. You can learn how to play the cittern by taking lessons from a teacher, by watching online tutorials, or by reading books and articles about the instrument.

Here are some tips for playing the cittern:

• Hold the cittern with your left hand and your right hand. Your left hand should be placed on the neck of the instrument, with your fingers over the frets. Your right hand should be used to pluck the strings.
• Tune the strings of the cittern so that they are in tune with each other. You can tune the strings by using a tuner or by listening to the sound of the strings.
• Practice playing chords and melodies on the cittern. You can practice by playing along with songs or by improvising.

The cittern is a beautiful and versatile instrument that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are interested in learning how to play the cittern, there are many resources available to help you get started.

Buying a cittern

When buying a cittern, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, consider the size of the cittern. Citterns come in a variety of sizes, from small travel citterns to large concert citterns. The size of the cittern will affect the sound and playability of the instrument. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to start with a smaller cittern.

Second, consider the materials used to make the cittern. Citterns are typically made from wood, but some models may also be made from metal or composite materials. The type of material used will affect the sound of the cittern. Wood citterns typically have a warmer, more mellow sound, while metal citterns have a brighter, more resonant sound.

Third, consider the price of the cittern. Citterns can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of the cittern will depend on the quality of the materials used, the craftsmanship, and the brand name.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for a cittern. There are a number of online retailers that sell citterns, as well as music stores that carry them. You can also find citterns at some flea markets and antique shops.

When you are trying out a cittern, be sure to play a variety of different songs and genres. This will help you get a feel for the sound and playability of the instrument. You should also make sure that the cittern is comfortable to hold and play.

If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to get some lessons from a qualified teacher. A teacher can help you learn the basics of playing the cittern and can also help you choose the right instrument for your needs.

Common problems with citterns

Citterns are relatively easy to play, but there are a few common problems that beginners may encounter.

• The strings are too high. This can make it difficult to fret notes and play chords. To fix this, you can either lower the action of the strings or raise the bridge.
• The strings are too tight. This can make the cittern difficult to play and can cause your fingers to hurt. To fix this, you can loosen the strings slightly.
• The cittern is out of tune. This can make it difficult to play in tune with other instruments. To fix this, you can either tune the cittern yourself or take it to a professional.
• The cittern is buzzing. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a loose string, a warped neck, or a dirty fretboard. To fix this, you can either tighten the string, adjust the neck, or clean the fretboard.

If you are having trouble with any of these problems, it is a good idea to take your cittern to a professional for help. Common problems with citterns

Resources for learning to play the cittern

There are a number of resources available for learning to play the cittern. These include:

• Books
• Online tutorials
• Classes
• Private lessons

Some popular books on cittern playing include:

• The Cittern: A Comprehensive Guide by Peter Cross
• The Cittern Player's Manual by John Millington
• Cittern for Dummies by Mark Phillips

There are also a number of online tutorials available for learning to play the cittern. Some popular websites include:

• The Cittern School
• Cittern Cafe
• Cittern Planet

Classes and private lessons are also a great way to learn to play the cittern. You can find classes and lessons at your local music store, community center, or through online learning platforms.

Once you have learned the basics of playing the cittern, you can start to explore the different genres of music that the cittern can be used for. Some popular genres include folk music, renaissance music, and blues.

With a little practice, you can soon be playing the cittern like a pro!

FAQ:

1. What is a cittern?
   A cittern is a stringed instrument that is played with a plectrum. It has a long, fretted neck and a pear-shaped body. The cittern is closely related to the guitar, but it has a different tuning and a wider range of notes. It is used in a variety of genres of music, including folk, blues, and Renaissance music.

2. Where did the cittern come from?
   The cittern is believed to have originated in the Middle East, and it was brought to Europe by the Moors in the 13th century.

3. What are the different types of citterns?
   There are many different types of citterns, each with its own unique set of features. Some of the most common types of citterns include the Renaissance cittern, the Baroque cittern, the English cittern, and the American cittern.

4. How is a cittern played?
   A cittern is played with a plectrum, which is a small, flat piece of plastic or metal that is used to strike the strings. The cittern is held upright in the lap, and the strings are plucked with the plectrum.

5. What are some famous cittern players?
   Some famous cittern players include John Dowland, Robert Johnson, and John Fahey.

6. Where can I learn to play the cittern?
   There are many places where you can learn to play the cittern. You can take lessons from a private teacher, or you can find online resources or books that can teach you how to play.

7. What are some good cittern songs to learn?
   Some good cittern songs to learn include "Greensleeves," "The Spanish Ladies," and "Farewell to Tarwathie."