How to play the 5-Chord Zither demonstrated by Etienne de Lavaulx

[@iler859]

Stunningly beautiful. Such an creative effort to find your own tuning and putting your own symbols on this beautiful instrument.

[@beakytwitch7905]

My newly bought old 5-chord zither is on its way to me. You, (and my late uncle Ernie) have inspired me. Thanks for this introduction vid, and please make a few more. You are appreciated ! :) :)

[@Forestgump12able]

DETERMINATION, CREATIVENESS GO AT IT TIVENESS, STICK TO IT TIVENESS, HE IS ALSO A CLASSICAL GUITARIST. HE LISTENS AND THINKS EXECUTES.. LOVE THIS MAN,S RESOLVE. HERE IS WHAT I SAY TO MY STEP CHILDEN, LOOK WHAT YOU CAN GET WITH A LITTLE THOUGHT AND A LITTLE EFFORT EACH DAY.

[@ksdaddy]

I learned more in 5 minutes about the zither than I have in my whole life! Thanks!

[@Federer935]

Delightful instrument - beautifully played. Thanks for posting.

[@MrMjp58]

A superb and informative video. I’ve finally found someone playing the same sort of zither as I’ve got. There seem to be so many different types and tunings/techniques around. You create a beautiful sound.

[@jamescutler4515]

Surely one of the most beautiful sounding instruments in all the world

[@lindamorgan2678]

Wow that sounds like heaven very magical. Thanks so much for sharing. Now I have to find out more I think I like this style better than the autoharps I hear.

[@TheWriter86]

Beautiful playing Etienne! There’s a 6 chord zither for sale online and I’m contemplating buying it, so I had to come to KZbin to find someone playing it, and I was lucky to find you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@laureltrawick6452]

Your instrument is absolutely stunning! And you made it by hand! I love your playing ! I would love to have one of your handmade Zithers and learn how to play them by you only! You're amazing! Thank you! Please let me know!

[@susannepawlik6212]

I got a beautiful DDR 5 chord zither in perfect condition. I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for explaining :) Greetings from Germany

[@THEJET52]

Beautiful harmonious and heavenly. I read where Saint Francis appeared to a holy nun ( Mother Marianna) “playing the zither”. So I quickly just looked up what a zither is. It is very beautiful.

[@Godwithinme]

The melody 💙 you play is very angelic ✨️. What a great choice to use the sweetest sounds of the zeither. I saw someone was selling this instrument and didn't know what it was! I'm glad I searched here!

[@guitarzither]

The tuning I use for my 5 chord zither is from right to left ( from the center outward): C major, A minor, F major, D minor and G major. Cheers, Etienne

[@avenpace]

What is the name of this simple song you have played in here ? can't find it anywhere

[@guitarzither]

@@avenpace Hello Marcie, The tune is "The Skye Boat Song" Cheers

[@ПетрЛысачев]

Etienne, thanks for the explanation! Do you have to set up other chords if you play other song?

[@guitarzither]

@@ПетрЛысачев On the 5 chord zither, I often tune G major to G minor, and occasionally D minor to B flat (tune the a to bflat).

[@uToobeD]

Very cool instrument and clearly designed for melody

[@Pianomam]

Hello Etienne! I loved this! I've never seen a zither like this before, and you play beautifully! I have created and published a children's music program based on a simple 15-string zither, so I was searching for videos of people playing that kind of zither when I stumbled upon your video. Great stuff! In harmony all ways, Debbie Center :) Founder ~ World of Harmony Music

[@MagdalenaTheremin]

It sounds it is quiet easy to master it. Stil beautiful

[@KathrinFranke-z4c]

I guess it probably looks easier than it is.

[@19621O12]

thanks for reminding me - it's been a long time since you first were kind enough to teach me :)

[@guitarstella1]

good demonsttation ive just bought a jubeltone konzert salon harfe its on its way,you hsve some great tips, i cannot find anywhere that sells strings which i didnt expect,but what a lovely instrument.

[@guitarzither]

@kssork Hi, The zither I play on the video is a 1925 German made instrument which I found in Australia. You can only buy these 2nd hand. Try ebay. It must be German made with 62 strings (double melody strings) or 41 (single melody strings). Alternatively for a new instrument, try HOPF in Germany. Cheers, Etienne

[@conditionalnegation]

It's not possible, but if I could, I'd give this over thousands of thumbs up.

[@TZ2OurLittleDogToo]

thank you for this information - it is very helpful as I am learning on the lovely little old zither I received for my birthday. You play beautifully. I am hoping you will put a few more songs here for us!

[@thomasbeie2463]

This is very beautiful - thank you very much!

[@waynedavies3185]

Nicely played. Found your video very interesting, and very informative. I own 4 autoharps (one of which is under repair at the moment, after receiving damage, after it was dropped). I now have cracks in the back of it, which have to be sealed up, and strengthened with glue cleats. Your playing of this instrument, is different, and quite remarkable. Maybe down the road, I'll pick-up another damaged Autoharp, and redesign it into the type/style of instrument you play. Would like to see more videos by you, along with more info on how you set-up your harp.

[@heatherreadsreddit8579]

This is wonderful information! Thank you for posting this. Liked and subbed.

[@maximilian1922]

Wonderful sound! . I need a device like this!

[@gtrgdss]

Thank you, Etienne. I recently purchased a mint condition Oscar Schmidt 8-chord zither circa 1950s. Has a great tone to it, but I wasn't sure how to properly go about playing it. Thanks for your instruction!

[@guitarzither]

@julie6458 Hi, I use piano wire for the plain strings (they come in a big roll; plain guitar strings would be cheaper for just a few strings), I use wound guitar strings for the thin wound strings (.026" and .032") and I have a little winding machine to make the thick wound strings. You can also get the bass made to size by string manufacturers. Try Lenzner for more info:LENZNER SAITENMANUFAKTUR Reinhard Renz e.K. Schulstrasse 18 D - 08265 Erlbach Germany

[@Brothington]

Thank you. I just bought an old zither made in the 30s and am going to get strings for it. Hopefully I can find out how to string. Your video was most helpful!

[@michaelnaughton5413]

Great performance. Beautiful. Where do you buy strings for the Zither these days?

[@guitarzither]

@CoachTMBSC Hi, here is the tuning: Melody section: a,b,c,d,e,f,g,a,bflat,b,c,d,e,f,g,a,bflat,b,c,d,e. Chords from left to right: G major (gbdG), D minor (fdaD), F major (fcaF), A minor (ecaA), C major (ecgC) Hoping this helps. You will need to change the lowest 4 melody strings (or pairs if double strings) for thicker strings if you want to tune this way. Cheers, Etienne

[@missscapegrace6675]

So is your tuning different form what the letters on the wood said. - We found a old zither in the old house we bougth, and i tried to play it a little bit, it went quiet well ( i'm normally playing the akkordeon). But n mine there are only major chords (from center outward- C G F D and A). Do i have to use other strings if i want other chords?

[@truthfinder4973]

i play guitar and now wont this omg the sound heaven

[@chrometanned]

He seems like a nice fellow.

[@NewZman23]

thanks Etienne- a very interesting lesson

[@rubypat4421]

Very nice..thank you Testa David

[@naturewatcher7596]

Very good explanation. Thank you. Just need more details about original tuning and your tuning of the instrument and why you don't use the original one. Thank you.

[@michaelthomas366]

Fascinating!

[@elsawalsh9874]

very lovely Etienne. I rember you on the sunday mornings when i walk along south gate with my mother

[@purity4all]

@davidtesta1 Thanks. Yes, now that I have my hands on it it does have 5 sets of chords 4 strings each, and 25 single note strings. It would be awesome if I could get a hold of that type of music. I am dyscalculic and have a little bit of a time following the number music.

[@rvenneman]

Beautiful. “Outlander”

[@rattytattyratnett]

You mentioned that you have altered the tuning. What is the new tuning and why did you change.

[@guitarzither]

Hi Crystal, I am very happy you are enjoying the zither. The zither you bought is a very good one and it looks beautiful too. Let me know what tunes you can play now. Cheers, Etienne

[@nadezdapatusova8630]

Absolutely great

[@stephaniebender5941]

Thank you for this! I have a 3 chord German Zither. Do you know where I might be able to find music sheets to learn how to play it? I appreciate your videos, and have ordered the tuner and the finger picks.

[@arthurrobey4945]

Much appreciated, thank you.

[@xxcrystal21xx]

Hi, haha don't know if you remember me but I bought the antique Zither from you at the arts market in Melbourne last month :) The asian girl with my mum bargaining xD Just wanted to say I love the zither and am practicing all the time :D

[@mrscpc1918]

I have wanted to learn to play a zither for 60 years.

[@craftyskwrl]

Your guide is fantastic! I recently acquired a 4/30 chord-zither and am having a lot of fun learning how to play. It is currently tuned to the C, G, F and D chords painted on the piece. I have been trying out basic tunes I found in the archaic instruction book with which it was packaged (Home on the Range, America the Beautiful, Aloha Song ) and noticed I'm only using C, G, and F. Is there another chord (not D) you would recommend in order to have a better range for more contemporary music?

[@Goldfischle]

wow sounds great!

[@CoachTMBSC]

You, sir, play marvelously. I'm inspired to get my chord zither out and develop my skills to something even remotely close to yours. It appears you don't have this tuned in a chromatic scale - what scale did you tune your melody strings to?

[@zithergirl]

Great playing. First time I have seen it played like that, makes much more sense. I only play the concert zither.Was surfing the net and was not easy to find this video, maybe you should call it "How to play the chord zither by ..." ??

[@purity4all]

@guitarzither Thank you, next time I get it professionally tuned, I might just do that.

[@gartentante9650]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Could you tell us more about your diamond and dots markings system, please? Which strings do you put your diamonds and dots on?

[@janniferhall3289]

Beautiful such a sweet sounds.

[@UlyssesCabinatan]

It seems, the diamonds are on C and F, and the dots on A (melody side)

[@purity4all]

Hello, I'm looking for the sheet music that goes under the strings for my new zither. If you go to the video titled Die 6-akkord Zither you will see what I mean. Do you have any idea of where I might be able to find this type of sheet music? I think mine is a 5 chord like yours, but by a different maker. It's an Oscar Schmidt made in 1951, looks a lot like yours. I just bought it and it's in the mail. So I can't look at it and count the chords just yet.

[@jasonsummit1885]

The only instrument I have that is even close to one of those is a four chord Hawaiian tremoloa, which I might think about making into a zither

[@Femtastico]

Could you maybe make a similar video for the 6 chord zither? I just got one and can't make sense of the lowest 2 chords. Thank you in advance.

[@JoycieBanacheck]

Hello, thanks for the demonstration. What do you mean by saying the old tuning is obsolete? And what notes did you change to create the new tuning?

[@Forestgump12able]

THAT IN HIS OPINION THE NOTES ARE HARD TO SEE, , THEN READ, THEN FIND , SO HE PLACES GOLD SHINY DECALS WHERE CERTAIN STRINGS ARE SO HE CAN BE EXACT ENOUGH TO PLAY SLOWLY, ACCURATELY. THEN HE SPEEDS UP, CONTINUEING TO PLAY IN TUNE. HIS MICROPHONES REALLY BRINGS OUT THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUND. HE PLAY A FOUR STRING CHORD INSTRUMENT WITH FIVE CHORD SO HE DOESN,T HAVE AS MANY STRINGS. WHEN YOU PLAY A SINGLE MELODY RIGHT HAND SIDE. SO YOU CAN TUNE OVER 70 STRINGS WHICH IS MUCH MORE TEDIOUS OR 35, WHICH IS ONE HALF THAT NUMBER, SIMPLER, QUICKER, EASIER TO SEE, LESS TO GO WRONG AND THEN MASTER MORE EASILY. THIS IS PRETTY MUCH WHAT THAT CONVEYS. THANKS FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME.

[@jokepauw-pak7858]

Oh its very nice..! I’m n beginner 😅 but loving the sound ..

[@arielbba]

Hi begginers question :) , I just bought a 3-chord/15 zither to start learning. Is it posible to do other chords with the top 8 of the 15 melody strings or how could I play other chords besides those 3?

[@Forestgump12able]

Yes, Flora you can loosen or tighten the strings a little. But learn to play as original first. That knowledge will come to later, a little at a time.

[@colsanjaybajpai5747]

Wonderful

[@bowserbowser8580]

Unsure whether you still keep tabs on the comments here, but do you know where I could find some sheets for the 5 chord zither for learning purposes? I’m planning to start trying to learn to play one if I get some free time

[@bassprincess71]

Sorry to ask again for help, but unfortunately I cant make out how you dampen the string(s) of the melody section after you played a note. When I play it sounds like a piano with the sustainpedal pushed.. if you see what I mean.

[@raptor554]

David is back in town jiha

[@raptor554]

Davids song one the harp cane you play it ? please do it

[@marlenewynn952]

Where can I purchase a new 5 chord Zither in USA?

[@airplanegirl01]

Etienne, Thank you so much for the lesson on how to play the strings. I fell in love with the sound of the Zither, after hearing you play. I just purchased a six chord basic Zither from www.thomannmusic.com/zithers.html?oa=pra. Now I just need to find the finger ring and guitar pick like you used, but something that will fit my arthritic fingers.

[@rajjomarak4223]

How can cover hundred miles in zither

[@gerritboer614]

596 / 5.000 Vertaalresultaten Vertaalresultaat Dear Etienne, I think this is wonderful music to let them play softly that lulls me to sleep, so to speak! I saw a video this morning where you explain in a simple way how I should play that instrument in a bit and what the possibilities are. Is there a way to treat it, so keep it clean under the strings, or rather smell it and ask how do you maintain the instrument? My dealer has ordered a special zither case for me to store it economically. but how do you do that? I would love to hear from you. MM Sincerely, Gerrit Boer

[@louiseverreault5671]

where l can to buy this cithar..

[@mariadelmara.978]

Hello Etienne! I play a Hopf German zither not as beautifully as you, but I keep on trying... I wonder if you could know where to find sheetnotes for a lovely pigsnout medieval psaltery I bought but cannot find anything to help me play it. If you could help me, I am from Spain. Best regards.

[@bubbarand2561]

Thanks for the demonstration. Very nice sound. I know it's not exactly the same instrument that Anton Karas played, but I wonder just how The Third Man Theme would sound. Also, what do the think the chances are of finding a good instrument in the $400 to $500 range?

[@MrDanbecker]

Great ..Tanks ..Un nom Francais ?? Etienne de Lavaulx ??

[@chrometanned]

I'm not musically talented but to me the sound resembles that of a hammered dulcimer.

[@airbagradiohead]

Left handed like me struggle with this

[@earlrussell1026]

You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. You must love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus the anointed is Lord! Repent and be baptized and believe the Gospel.

[@thevampirehunter8965]

ETIENNE,..LO HACE VER FACIL,....PERO NO ES FACIL,....