How to Play the Lute

A lute is a guitar-like stringed instrument that was popular during the Medieval time period. Most have 11 strings, five in pairs and one single string (a 6-course lute). The lute, which originated in the Middle East, is a favorite instrument all over the world.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set the lute in your lap with the neck facing to your left.

2. Place your little finger on the body of the lute so you'll always know where your hand is in relation to the strings.

3. Pluck the strings with the pads of your fingers, not your fingernails. You want a clear, single note to sound when you pluck the strings.

4. Use the fingers of your left hand to press the strings against the neck to change their tones as you pluck them. Press the strings between the frets, the raised lines on the neck. Use your index finger to press on strings before the first fret, your middle finger to press between the first and second frets and your ring finger to press between the second and third frets. Higher frets will require that you move your left hand down the neck.

5. Strum the lute when the music calls for it by moving your thumb across several strings, playing them all at the same time.

6. Play music written in standard notation or tabulature for your lute. You can choose baroque or renaissance music or music written for the lute by modern composers.

Tips & Warnings

• Because of the lute's size, you might consider installing a neck strap if you plan to play while standing. However, you risk changing the sound quality of the lute by doing so.

Resources

• Watch a video series on playing the lute at Expert Village.