Lute VS. Guitar

Today we're playing a 400-year-old piece on both the lute (the instrument for which it was written) and the classical guitar. Let's compare, contrast and appreciate each version. The piece: John Dowland's Lachrimae Pavan from 1595.

Topics:
0:00 The Lachrimae Pavan
1:43 Tuning of guitar vs lute
2:00 Stringing differences
3:01 Converting guitar to play lute music
3:30 The instruments I'm using
4:00 Technique used
4:26 Disclaimer
4:52 A section on Lute
5:41 A section on Guitar
6:29 First thoughts
7:46 First Variation on Lute
8:34 First Variation on Guitar
9:24 More bass strings on lute
10:46 Ending on Lute
11:22 Ending on Guitar
12:30 String tension
12:51 Final thoughts!
13:11 Checkout Tonebase

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#lute #classicalguitar

[EVOLEcqo]

Of course he'd say he's less experienced with the lute to cover his secret vampire status. He obviously had played it since its conception, with his experience with guitars being less than the lute. :)

[resourcedragon]

Huge props to John Dowland for writing a hit back in 1595 that's still popular over four and a quarter centuries later.

[hugodogobob]

The lute sounds like I've walked into a medieval Inn. The guitar sounds like I'm drinking my sorrows away in a dark corner in said medieval Inn.

[darylmichael]

For me, it’s like comparing one’s love for your mother and one’s love for your wife. Both are beautiful. Great presentation.

[lucylove]

Both the guitar and lute should be appreciated for their own qualities. What a beautifully prepared lesson, Brandon! 🌞

[porters.]

Very interesting! I preferred the lute; there was something almost magical about it. You should try this with a piece originally written for guitar and see if that changes things.

[zbaby]

I like the lute version better. The guitar version makes the piece sound more Spanish. Maybe more 19th century sounding. The lute version sounds more 17th century. Very well played!

[jaye]

That's it, I'm sold on the lute. It sounds a little bit richer and "crispier" (banjo-like or not) vs a warmer sound of a guitar. I was into classic Spanish music for a while there, but a change into Baroque would be equally nice and pleasant as well. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge between the two.

[katierose]

I’m just here because my third grader asked me what a lute was from his phonics flash cards. Yeah, call me sophisticated.

[tombrown]

I enjoy the lute version a little better. It has such an authentic and pure sound to it and a much fuller sound. Great job, loving your channel.

[cuttlefishrampant]

As a lutenist, I can definitely say your guitar playing is more confident than your lute playing, however, you are still a better lutenist than I am :) Personally I find that because of the doubled courses, the lute flows better than the guitar (specifically in this piece, I do not generalize here), and the silvery, almost ephemeral sound of the lute makes it my preference. That being said both are beautiful, and I am definitely biased towards the instrument I play.

[kimgarlic]

I like the lute version. Lute tone carries astounding mid-age melancholy beneath the struck melody that the classical guitar can't mimic. They are just two different instruments with each own territory disallowing an invasion. This piece situates on the land of Lute. Great work Brandon!

[krystalnahnychuk]

That lute is dreamy, makes sense that the piece would sound better on that instrument as opposed to the guitar. It's apples and oranges and you can't really compare them but you can appreciate the two resonant perspectives.

[g.todsmith]

Both lute and guitar versions are beautiful in their own distinctive ways. I think the comparison of the two is much like the comparison between harpsichord and piano. The guitar seems to have the potential for more dynamic finesse than the lute. I would like to hear a piece written for two lutes played on one lute, one guitar. It would be interesting to see how the two instruments blend and enhance eachother.

[ronaldl]

The clarity of the lute really fits this piece best.

[lamecasuelas]

For me there's no contest: my ears are the winners

[wilbertvanbakel]

No need for a winner, both instruments sound lovely. Really enjoyed your elaboration.

[garrygrasinski]

I think I prefer the lute, however, if I came upon the guitar version only, I’d still hear the beauty of this music. Wonderful playing Brandon, and terrific video!

[blakea]

Maybe a little late to this conversation, I do love both, but the guitar feels so homey to me. I feel warm and safe with the guitar. The lute feels like an ethereal fay thing outside our world. Obviously I’m sure someone who grew up around lutes would feel different :)

[happygotlucky]

You make the guitar sound like the lute, how absolutely wonderful, most guitarist just cannot play with those subtle nuances needed for lute music.