Laouto

The Laouto (Greek λαούτο, ie lauto (n. sg. ) ) Is a Greek lute. Other variants of the name of the instrument are Lagouto ( λαγούτο ) or Lavouto ( λαβούτο ).

The word derives from the Arabic al Laouto ʿ ūd ( العود, literally, the wood ', to denote the oud) ago. Also, the instrument itself is similar to the Arabic and Turkish lutes (see Saz ). Today, it usually has four double strings made ​​of steel, which are plucked with a plectrum. The strings are usually tuned in fifths, the two strings are tuned in unison of a choir or in octaves. The first pair of strings is, however, a fourth above the second, the instrument will therefore voted to decline. The instruments of the mainland are usually tuned to ( CGDA ), the larger, typical Cretan Laouto is the body produces a quart low ( GDAE ). There are still many other variants of the strings mood.

The Laouto is a classic accompaniment of folk music of Greece, especially Cyprus, Crete and the Dodecanese islands. Only rarely Laouto is also used as a solo instrument, but often melodic to fill passages in which suspends the solo instrument. As melody instruments are primarily violin, lyre or bouzouki.

A Laouto with its round body is crafted consuming to build. With the easier -to-play guitar but cheaper is the original tonal coloration of traditional music can not be reached.