zithers

Zithers are a family of chordophone instruments characterized by a flat, hollow body with strings stretched across it, typically without a neck. The strings run lengthwise and are sounded by plucking, strumming, or, in the case of the hammered dulcimer, striking with mallets. Zithers can range from small chord zithers with fretted boards to large concert zithers that combine melody strings with accompaniment strings, played on a table or lap.

Types and layout: The concert zither, often associated with Austria and Germany, usually has a central fretboard and two groups of strings on either side: melody strings in the middle and accompaniment strings toward the edges. The autoharp is a chord zither equipped with chord bars that mute unused strings. The hammered dulcimer is a trapezoidal instrument played with mallets. Long zithers such as the koto, guzheng, and gayageum are plucked instruments with longer bodies and movable bridges, extending the zither concept into East Asia.

History and usage: Zithers originated in Europe in the 18th to 19th centuries and evolved into a broad family used in folk, classical, and popular music. They enjoyed renewed attention in the 20th century through film scores and solo playing, with notable figures such as Anton Karas popularizing the instrument in the public imagination.

Construction and technique: Zithers typically use steel or bronze strings, though some modern variants employ other materials. Tuning varies by instrument and repertoire, ranging from diatonic to chromatic systems. Playing methods differ: some zithers are plucked or strummed for melody and accompaniment, while others, like the hammered dulcimer, require percussion with hammers.