Greek Folk Instruments



In each area of Greece, musicians play different folk instruments. Some instruments are found in many areas, while some are only found in a few regions. The typical folk orchestra of the mainland includes the klarino , the violi (violin), the lavouto (Greek lute), the defi (Greek hand drum like the tambourine), and sometimes the sandouri.

The bouzouki and baglamas are typical folk instruments found in the taverna style music. The bouzouki is the main lead instrument for the rebetika or taverna orchestra. The klarino is the Greek clarinet, and it is the most popular lead melody instrument in the mainland regions of Greece. The lavouto (lagouto, laouto) is a Greek lute. It has four pairs of metal strings tuned do, sol, re, la (C, G, D, A). The violi is the typical violin that most people are familiar with, but the Greek "violitzides" usually play it with a distinct Greek style, depending on the region of Greece.

Check that you understand what these words mean in this document
Typical: sharing characteristics with the majority of.
Mainland: a continent or main part of a continent (not an island or peninsula).
Lead (instrument): the basic instrument in a music group or band.
Distinct: real and different.

For further reading visit:
Greek music
Greek folk instruments
Music Library of Greece - Lilian Voudouri