18th Century Scottish Guitar or Cittern

Three pieces from Bremner's Instructions for the Guitar, Edinburgh, 1758. The instrument was often called the guittar (correct spelling) or cetra, i.e. a cittern, and is often today called the English Guitar. Bremner published the first book for it, and he arranged many traditional pieces. The tuning from the bass to the treble is CEGceg, but I probably have it tuned a tone lower as that's where it seems to resonate best. It is strung with harpsichord strings - thanks to Grant O'Brien and Darryl Martin.
More info and free scores: http://www.RMguitar.info

Category:

Music

Tags:

• guitar
• guittar
• cittern
• cetra
• MacKillop
• 18th-century

[glaoud]

Very nice work ***** . It is possible to have a tab of the first track please ? I like it many .

J.C.

[BalcarresGuy]

No tabs available, sorry. But you can work it out by ear!

[654321654321]

i like this instrument. how is it related to other plucked early instruments (baroque lute and b. guitar)? is it a descendant of the orpharion?

R.

[BalcarresGuy]

It could be viewed as an 18th-century cittern. Some of the publications say 'for guittar or cetra' or sometimes cittra.

[amccann7]

what a GORGEOUS SOUND that instrument has; richer and deeper than the English Cittern; what is the age of this instrument? And what do you have it tuned to here?

[delboy1978uk]

these are cool i really liked that first one! i should learn some scottish guitar tunes!

[dtr76]

By the way, the clean-cut look works better!

[dtr76]

As usual, very beautiful. Keep the videos coming please!

[AudreyMarie7]

Lovely. First time I hear this particular instrument. Our group, The Strathspey & Reel Society of NH (USA), toured Scotland about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go. If I had, maybe I would have heard you in person.

[saintecolombe]

Beautiful as usual Rob. Looks hot in Edinburgh too (nice haircut)!