Gittern for Dummies

Gittern is a word that refers to a type of musical instrument that was commonly used during the Middle Ages. Now, before we dive into what a gittern is, let me ask you: have you ever heard of a guitar? Well, the gittern is actually the ancestor of the modern-day guitar! So you can think of it as the guitar's cool, older cousin.

Imagine this, my friend: a gittern is a stringed instrument, just like a guitar. It has a body, which is like its belly, and a long neck where you press your fingers on the strings to make different sounds. The body of the gittern is usually made of wood, like a sturdy oak or a smooth maple, and it's shaped like a pear or an hourglass. The strings, which are made of materials like gut (which might sound strange, but it's just the intestines of animals!) or even silk, are stretched across the body and the neck of the gittern.

Now, here's where it gets interesting: the gittern has its own unique sound. When you strum or pluck the strings with your fingers or a special pick, it produces a lovely, melodic tone that can be both comforting and enchanting. It's like a magical lullaby or a joyful dance, all coming from this ancient instrument.

But wait, there's more! Gitterns were not only used for playing beautiful music, but they were also popular in medieval times for entertaining people. They were often played by troubadours and minstrels, who were like traveling musicians and storytellers. These talented folk would wander from village to village, serenading people with their gitterns and entertaining them with tales of knights, princesses, and faraway lands. So, you can see, the gittern isn't just a musical instrument, it's a symbol of art, creativity, and the power to transport people's hearts and imaginations to different worlds.

So, in a nutshell, my friend, a gittern is an ancient musical instrument, similar to a guitar, that was used during the Middle Ages. It has a wooden body shaped like a pear or an hourglass, a long neck, and strings that produce beautiful sounds when strummed or plucked. It's like playing a musical journey, taking us back in time to a world of music and tales. And just like the guitar, the gittern holds a special place in the history of music and the hearts of those who appreciate its unique charm.