Lesson
One
Holding
the Instrument
There are many ways to hold a lute. In old paintings and engravings
you can see a broad variety of lutenists in various playing positions.
Your choice for a particular position will depend on your body size,
the size of your lute, and your personal
aesthetic preferences.
Whatever your choice, two considerations must remain paramount: Your
playing position should provide the maximum possible body relaxation;
and the left (fingerboard) arm and hand should not be involved in securing
the instrument's position. When you sit with an upright posture towards
the front of a chair, the lute will touch your body in three places.
The first place is your thigh; the second place is your chest and stomach;
the third place is your right underarm. Your left arm initially hangs
relaxed along side your body. A piece of leather on your thigh can prevent
the lute from slipping out of position.
Lesson
Two
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