Strings

THE LYRE:

The most widely used and popular string instrument in Ancient Greece was the lyre as it was played not only by professional musicians. It was a symbol of Apollo and was not used in outdoor performances. P. Stefos presenting PHORMINXIt was the musical instrument that was primarily used as part of young people’s education and could be characterized as the national instrument of the ancient Greeks.

PHORMINX: Perhaps it is the earliest form of the ancient guitar and was mainly associated with the presentation of Homeric epics and rhapsodies. It was considered to be a sacred instrument and perhaps the oldest string instrument.

KITHARIS: It was usually designed with a square base and considered a demanding instrument as it required skillful playing therefore it was an instrument for professional musicians called “kitharodoi” and was used in music competitions. It is regarded as an improved form of the lyre. As shown in various depictions from ancient vases, etc, the arms and the crossbar are supported by a mechanism of plates ensuring the tension of the strings, most probably allowing also the musician to "lock and unlock" the crossbar, so that by turning it to change the pitch of all of the strings at once. The left hand through the sash (like when playing the lyre), selectively touched some strings in order to stop their vibration after a pounding. The (Classical period) strings of the guitar and the lyre were 7 or 8.

VARVITOS: It has longer arms than the lyre therefore it has longer strings. This instrument has a lower extent and produces a sweeter and deeper sound than that of the lyre.

PANDOURA OR PANDOURIS: It is a three-stringed musical instrument and is considered the ancestor of the lute. It was also known to the ancient Greeks as trichordon (three-stringed).