Plucked string instrument
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Plucked string instruments are a subcategory of string instruments that are played by plucking the strings. Plucking is a way of pulling and releasing the string in such a way as to give it an impulse
Guitar and lute
This illustration in a French Psalter from the 9th century (c. 830) shows a little known plucked string instrument called cythara in manuscripts.
Stringed instruments hanging on a wall. Shown here are 4 Ukuleles, 2 Mandolins, a Banjo, a Guitar, a Violin, a Guraitar and a Bass guitar.
Qanún/kanun, origin from ancient Mesopotamia
Gittern
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The gittern was a relatively small gut-strung, round-backed instrument that first appeared in literature and pictorial representation during the 13th century in Western Europe. It is usually depicted
Five course Gittern or "Quintern" dated 1450, built by luthier Hans Oth
Gittern (right) depicted in a c. 1322 fresco scene from the life of St. Martin of Tours. The instrument on the left is a set of aulos.
Juan Oliver's c.1330 painting at Pamplona Cathedral, showing a musician playing a gittern.
By 1575, the German quintern included guitar-shaped instruments.