Lute (laouto)

The lute, or laouto (lagouto in Crete), is a string instrument which in Greek traditional music is used mainly to accompany the violin, the lyra, the clarinet and other instruments.

The laouto combines features of the ancient Greek pandoura (the 'long hand'). It is related to the oud but has a longer neck. It is tuned, from lowest to highest, E–A–D–G (Cretan laouto) or A–D–G–C (mainland and island laouto). It is an underrated instrument, especially on the mainland, though much more used on the islands; yet its potential as a solo instrument is very great. The master player Christos Zotos did much to raise its profile by developing a technique of his own.

It is very widely played in Crete, where it mainly accompanies the violin and the lyra, and in Cyprus, where it usually accompanies the violin. Often, though, it is heard on its own or in pairs.

The laouto belongs to a large family that includes other instruments, such as the lavta (also called the Constantinopolitan lute).