The cittern is one of the few metal-strung instruments known from the Renaissance music period. It generally has four courses of strings (single, pairs or threes depending on design or regional variation), one or more courses being usually tuned in octaves, though instruments with more or fewer courses were made.

cittern, plucked stringed musical instrument that was popular in the 16th–18th century. It had a shallow, pear-shaped body with an asymmetrical neck that was thicker under the treble strings. Derived from the citole, a similar 14th- and 15th-century instrument with gut strings, the cittern had four unison courses of wire strings.

The shape of a cittern is more like that of a modern banjo than that of a lute, with a body near circular in outline and a relatively long neck, but, like a lute, is constructed entirely of wood. However, it is a wire-strung instrument like the banjo, and unlike the lute.

cittern. The instruments of the cittern-type look like relatives of the mandolins. Not just because of the shape, but both also have metal strings. However historically they developed separately.

The cittern is an instrument made out of wood, metal strings and a pick. The way you pluck the strings can vary depending on what country you’re in. In some countries, people will play with their fingers while others use picks or small chips of wood. Many types of wood have been used to create instruments including ash, holly, maple and mahogany.

An online resource dedicated to the history, art, music, recordings, players, composers, & builders of the Renaissance cittern, bandora, orpharion, & other related wire-strung instruments from the 15th through 18th centuries.

The cittern, or sometimes spelled as cithern, is arguably one of the most important and undoubtedly the most famous renaissance instruments next to the lute. Similar to the earlier instrument called gittern, the cittern was an instrument that almost everyone loved back in the renaissance period, no matter what their social standing is.

Apr 2, 2023 · Renovata Cythara - The Renaissance Cittern Page. An online resource dedicated to the Renaissance Cittern, with information on its history, articles, art, music, recordings, players, composers, and builders.

The cittern is a plucked string instrument characterized by its flat back, pear-shaped body, and metal strings. It typically features a relatively short neck and a distinctive tuning, often in open tunings that facilitate chordal playing.

While the cittern has a long history, it experienced a revival in the 20th century, particularly in the folk music scenes of the United States and United Kingdom. Today, the cittern remains popular among musicians who appreciate its unique sound and versatility.