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.
Get the guitar tab here: arpeggiato.com/music-arrangem...
Learn more about the Renaissance Lute: • Introducing: The Renai...
Guitar without nails?: • GUITAR TIP: How to pla...
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

[@brandonacker]

By popular demand, you can now purchase my guitar tab edition of this piece (including my ornamentation) arpeggiato.com/music-arrangements/

[@nanciandstephan269]

Dowland wrote the piece for lute presumably with a particular sound in mind. It’s a wonderful piece so of course it sounds good on a guitar, having its own unique flavor on the instrument. You could do the same thing on a kazoo though. It’s a lute piece and sounds best there

[@enderwarlord3226]

Funfact, guitars are not flat. Try having two guitar backs touch each other

[@HappyLifeInMinecraft]

To me the chords of the Lute need to be tuned better, it's too ringing and annoying, maybe the chord sounds better if it's minor, the major chord sound too ringing.

[@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. :)

[@christofferniemonen8872]

69th like

[@Vales55]

Not sure he's a vampire since we have seen him play outside in daylight. One of those instruments may be hiding a sword though so he probably is immortal. Has anyone seen any katana wielding Scotsman around him?

[@austinbogle8795]

Well a lot of legends claim that a vampire can be in day light as long as they feed, I like to believe he's a classy vampire bard lulling his victims with enchanting tones. The glasses are a clever trick to make him seem less menacing.

[@daniloapostolov-dacatv1536]

@@Vales55 Daylight vampire exist in movies.

[@fridgemagnet]

@@Vales55 Factor 1000 suncream ! That's how I get around going out in daylight. Vampires have never had it so good, modern technology has allowed many sangrophiles to explore the daylight.

[@resourcedragon]

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

[@thskendjeo134]

Wish I could convey the beauty of Indian Classical music which has been there for time immemorial. Way before any other religion. This music and the Indian classical music do not overlap anywhere they are very different....Just for the general information.

[@fenhen]

@@thskendjeo134 Is there something you can recommend?

[@thskendjeo134]

@@fenhen Sure! It requires at least some knowledge on the listeners part but still. To recommend a few is like choosing from an ocean...but here you go...try atleast one from each category and notice that they start with a slow pace and gradually the pace increases. It includes various instruments as well as vocal. They are all playing the same music pieces called Raag invented many thousand years ago at least.. Instruments include sitar, sarod, surbahar, rudra veena. Go to my channel and find the playlist named indian classical various. Please do listen to Pt. Bhimsen Joshi miya ki Malhar I have added in the playlist it is 6 minutes long. In this single piece is conveyed the whole of the Indian classical.

[@glenthemann]

​@@thskendjeo134 don't care

[@jklappenbach]

Dude was a rockstar.

[@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.

[@johnycache]

The Medieval Walk Inn?

[@Whatismusic123]

me when I make up shit in the comment section for social points.

[@The_SOB_II]

​@@Whatismusic123 what is music

[@cindyj5522]

The lute sounds like I'm in Hampton Court circa 1550 and the guitar sounds like I'm in the Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. In either case, it is melancholy and beautiful.

[@janach1305]

@@cindyj5522My thought also. The guitar is slightly closer to the equator. 🌍

[@darylmichael7]

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

[@robcat2075]

Don't tell them which one is the round fat one.

[@Chrisarva2408]

​@@robcat2075 come on dude. She's just pregnant

[@lucylove8284]

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

[@syntaxlost9239]

Rob MacKillop has a version on a steel-string which is worth a listen too. Makes me curious what it'd sound like on a 12-string.

[@BeatleJWOL]

everything *is* better with more strings

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

The Lute has a sound all it's own.

[@porters.5811]

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.

[@KawaiChan.]

You want to know why you enjoyed the lute better? The piece was made for the lute. The lute was made to work well with high notes. I love what the guitar did for the piece that the lute couldn’t, but the piece had way more high notes than low notes. The double strings helps push the higher notes. I remember when he said that the lute had an extra low note but when he played it I barely could hear it. The song is meant for something that does high well.

[@zbaby82]

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!

[@Zeemas]

I had the same impression with the Spanish thing. I feel that the quality and complexity of the guitar is a step above the lute, technically, because of it being a more modern instrument. But playing the piece written for lute with the guitar I think loses it's charm and character here. It's like the harpsichord to the piano, and there are just music specifically made for they're own

[@jwadaow]

@@Zeemas What is it about the guitar that is more modern?

[@cindyj5522]

I'm delighted that your ears hear the same thing mine do. I hear the same time period between them but from different countries with different approaches to playing the same instruments and style of composition.

[@carolciliberti-noaafederal1780]

Thanks, I was trying to explain why I prefer the lute version, even though I could listen to both versions endlessly. But the lute does have the 17th Century sound.

[@jaye6568]

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.

[@wilbertvanbakel]

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

[@lamecasuelas2]

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

[@tombrown5527]

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.

[@melinarodriguez8395]

Yes, I agree.

[@sarbe6625]

Yeah, I think a lute works much better as a standalone instrument. But the guitar would probably be the better choice in an arrangement with other instruments.

[@somefuckstolemynick]

It’s hard to compete with those extra strings. 12 string guitars are _amazing._ If you haven’t heard it I’ll ready I recommend listening to Ocean by John Butler (look specifically for the “Max session” version!). According to me it’s one of the most amazing guitar solos of all time.

[@CrimeVid]

I prefer the sound of the guitar, the lute was almost too penetrating a sound for me ,then, on an iPad ! how can you ask us this, with our silly sound producers and our worn out ears ?

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

I do *not* think the lute has a "fuller" sound. However that's why I like it. I think most people like it more because it is not only different, but sounds truer to Renaissance times.

[@briarjensen2123]

Finally the age old debate will be settled

[@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!

[@ronaldl9085]

The clarity of the lute really fits this piece best.

[@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!

[@themember3podcast347]

'perhapes my lute playing hasn't caught up to my guitar playing yet' ... Plays Lute beautifully :D. You are one of the humblest human beings out there.

[@sarradet]

I wonder how a lute/guitar duet of this song would sound like...

[@happygotlucky4309]

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

[@g.todsmith2854]

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.

[@kathywilkes9222]

This piece gives me those weepy Renaissance blues. Tears in my wine goblet.

[@carolciliberti-noaafederal1780]

I love this because it allows me to listen to Lacrimae Pavan over and over again without having to restart it😊

[@StephiSensei26]

As a Guitarist / Lutenist, I say well done to bringing forth the love of these two sister instruments. Bravo.

[@assassinweed5390]

When it comes to guitar playing you are for sure my biggest inspiriation. Had to say it after like 50 videos of you i watched for sure. Love you Brandon

[@tptunstall]

I have loved both the Lute and Guitar for over 60 years and I think you play each beautifully. I think both instruments won in this showdown because they can be individually selected for the different musical desires of the moment. Thank you and I will find your full videos and enjoy both.

[@Deipnosophist_the_Gastronomer]

I don't know why there needs to be a winner. They're both beautiful.

[@krystalnahnychuk3530]

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.

[@eeshsinger]

If brandon had lived through the middle ages he'll be considered as one of the greatest bards ever

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

Absolutely. I wonder if he had reached his current level back then. Educational possibilities have sky-rocketed the last decades alone.

[@CatsPajamas23]

Nope. Needed for THIS era.

[@robertcronin6603]

He *DID* live through the middle ages, lol...you might not be aware of it but here in the comments we often discuss how Brandon is actually a vampire and is 100's of years old, explaining his amazing musical aptitude, especially for older instruments like the Lute...scan some comments on older posts and I'm sure you'll see what I mean 😁

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

@@robertcronin6603 yes. It suffices to watch one or two of his teaching videos to, as a man, first question your heterosexuality, and then realize you are being hypnotized - - through the freaking smartphone. Wearing shades helps, without having to deprive your days of every joy entirely. However, I maintain that his remarkable skills on these instruments mostly stem from more recent times (as he even kind of gives away in this very video at 4:27).

[@joshwoods7641]

"""If"""

[@azrielsmith3167]

Upon hearing the lute, I am spanked with sparkle and caressed with a silvery tongue darting hither and thither. The guitar goes down low and hums in a special baritone bramble; soothing my spindly calves with a buttery resonance. Bravo!!

[@Orciwan548]

These instruments are so beautiful. I love them both and think it’s so cool to see someone proficient in them.

[@cuttlefishrampant5241]

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.

[@markscott554]

It's always great to see/hear someone doing something they love.

[@auzzyvandoom9733]

I didn't even watch, but just liked the video because I totally support what you do , you're such a talented dude and so clever .

[@blakea3323]

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 :)

[@franksabatino7576]

Thanks Brandon for your great care in preparing this video. Both instruments sound beautiful, and I can't choose between them. But your comments will help my non musician's ear to listen more closely.

[@bernardinelermite1133]

Wow !... As a huge lute (and oud) lover, I almost felt disappointed to love this guitar so much, lol. It has such a deep, warm velvety resonance, that the lute almost sounds "dry" in comparison ! 😕 ... 😄 Another great video, thank you so much !

[@isaiahkirk4153]

The sound from the lute comes off as a little scratchy and the guitar sounds more full because of the marriage of both treble and bass tones. You really are awesome for playing both instruments so fluidly 😊

[@brandonacker]

Hey friends, you can meet me on Zoom tomorrow for a group masterclass! Very affordable tickets available here: arpeggiato.com/events/ See you then! Brandon

[@Ethan_Frost]

Can make a video playing my favorite classical piece? It’s Chopin’s prelude in e minor, op 28 no4. That would be wonderful to hear on a plucked instrument if that would be possible!

[@max64358]

@@Ethan_Frost I know I'm being kind of pedantic but it's a prelude lol

[@Ethan_Frost]

@@max64358 whoops, thanks for that!

[@kristijones528]

Much as I love Brandon’s guitar, I think the win goes to the lute. On guitar, the piece is beautiful, but on the lute it is exquisite!

[@t3hgr8gabbo]

@@Ethan_Frost Hey, I just posted a recording of it on my page in case Brandon doesn't get around to it.

[@classicraceruk1337]

I love the Lute and never knew why until you explained the double strings, thanks Brandon a 60 year old mystery solved for me.

[@thierrynakache]

Hi, can you explain why, please ?

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@thierrynakache The mystery was why the Lute sounds so beautiful, Brandon explained about the instrument having double strings.

[@CNFir-fs6zs]

Wow! You are a great musician and teacher Brandon. Thank you

[@johnwinward2421]

When I did the guitar Grade 8 (UK) I realised that the only pieces in the repertoir I loved (Dowland up to Weiss) were written for lute. So I bought a couple of lutes, and played them accordingly. I still have a couple of classical guitars, but I wouldn't play Dowland on them.,

[@DeOzian]

dang that hit me really good, such a gorgeous piece on both instruents.

[@keeblerman7]

The bass line of the piece is very simple, so all the story is carried by the high notes. Because of that my feeling is that this piece sounds better on the lute. Incredible playing and wonderful production. Your work is a huge gift to humanity!!!❤

[@marctucciaronemusic7738]

Fantastic Brandon ! I really love the way you approached this ! Always a pleasure to hear you .Thank you

[@sophelet]

Superb, Brandon! And your video production values are soaring!

[@garysimkins2179]

I must add to my comment below, that your sense of phrasing and agogic accent is so devine that it transports us to another time. The comparison is brilliant, and they both sound so individually unique. You are a master at this, and it inspires me every time I listen to you play.

[@mnytame93]

To hear both in combination would be lovely .The two bring a full spectrum of bright and warmness that would be pleasing to the ears.

[@hax369]

Brandon, you’re awesome! Love your channel, incredible musician. 🙏

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

Brandon, I love this! I am enjoying the Lute very much. Thank you!👏👏👏👏👏

[@C1schecter101]

you have such an amazing and conveying the essence of tone this makes me wanna learn the lute

[@JustinJetZorbas]

This is truly astonishing. Awesome video!

[@garysimkins2179]

the absolute mastery of your playing cannot be over stated. I found your channel many years ago, and never cease to enjoy it. I have played a few different instruments throughout my life, and am now embarking on learning to play the Renaissance Lute. thankyou for all that you do.

[@PatriotsDecendant]

Thank you. As a guitarist, I have always loved the sound of the lute. Your comments were tasteful and insightful.

[@mrknoch]

Simply beautiful. Magical and mesmerizing.

[@thatjerkinthecorner4187]

This was definitely something I didn't know I wanted

[@sigfredcid]

Excelente análisis. Lo disfruté enormemente. Gracias por tu trabajo.

[@DrRaphaelPazo]

Hi Brandon, Bravo for this cleverly done comparison between the lute and classical guitar. You are an incredibly talented and skilled HIP on both of these instruments. What impresses me the most is your humble approach to teaching skills and the manner in which you present your lessons and demonstrations. I absolutely love it. Congratulations!

[@legioner9]

You are a great teacher. I like very much the way you explain things. All the best to all!

[@guitarzana688]

Thank you for a lovely and informative comparison. Very interesting to see the music score. Because the sound is so different between the two instruments I can’t say I like one more than the other. Each brings their own nuance and flavor to the piece.

[@LeonardoVarasGuerrero]

Very nice video! Great content, not just entertaining but also educative, and also a warm nutrition for the sould. Thanks a lot!

[@EGYong-sj3cc]

Loved this video. I had never seen a direct comparison of the Lute and Guitar. I found it so interesting and educational. I love the sound of both of them and enjoy hearing the unique quality of each.

[@heriluna1435]

Buena comparativa entre estos dos instrumentos con tan excelente pieza. Muchas gracias por el video Brandon.

[@ilseilse3824]

You are so good to play and speak about the sounds. - I understand and hear…. Like You and both.

[@JimMonsanto]

I really loved that deep and rich sound from your guitar.

[@dennismosercreativearts]

I wish more early musicians would do this. Having started out on guitar 50+ years ago I, too, tuned mine down and put a capo on it to perform lute music before eventually having a lute on which to perform these and other pieces. This is such a wonderful and insightful comparison. Thank you and looking forward to the "full" version!

[@jpdj2715]

Beautiful piece, beautifully played.

[@chipnewtonguitarmusic546]

This guy is doing such great work. ❤

[@brandonacker]

Thanks!

[@fuzuku]

Thank you Brandon for that beautiful exploration. It made me love both instruments more. I really enjoyed it... -just lovely Thank you :)

[@brandonacker]

Thank you!

[@psykodiffeqparty]

This is a fantastic video, thank you!

[@matveyshkurupiy6909]

Brandon, exiting video! Thanks!

[@briandb449]

Amazing video idea! Thank you!

[@danm3570]

Thankyou immensely for explaining how to make your guitar a lute. I could possibly find myself playing some medieval song now

[@pouriagm1434]

Well done sir❤ Both instruments are great🔥

[@qhazwel]

Love the sound of the Lute. Been listening to Hopkinson Smith playing JS Bachs transcribed partitas. The lute has such an ancient romantic sound. However, I could easily listen to those same partitas with a guitar. Nice video.

[@gabrielhollenbeck1425]

Can’t wait to see you at the masterclass tomorrow! 😁

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

Really evident here that the lute is the guitar's great-grandpappy. Speaking also as an experienced guitarist, in terms of tone, I've been enamored with the lute lately, because I find its tone charming and bright. The guitar is like a lovely, warm dark chocolate. Rich and lively in tone too, it's just different. Wonderful playing too! :)

[@karapuzik_music3619]

Very cool comparison! Great perfomance!

[@el0blaino]

Beautiful music, thank you for sharing this! I feel drawn to the lute version for the “original intent” reason and the clarity/doubled strings that creates a rich, relaxing atmosphere. But having never knowingly heard the lute before I was immediately surprised by how similar they sounded, given your matching the gut strings and the playing technique.

[@tiberiusvetus9113]

Amazing skills. Thanks for sharing.

[@Gisbertus_Voetius]

Extremely good, these series.

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Beautiful video by a master musician.

[@user-jd9zb6wd3p]

I also wanted to compliment the ornamentation - the best I've ever heard. A revelation.

[@Hussain.Alsemaeil]

Great performance on both of them!

[@Hittheb]

Very cool stuff!

[@johnduffy6546]

Beautiful...love the fretwork on the sound hole too!

[@aaaaaaaaabaaaaaaaaa]

Whenever I listen to this piece, I can't help but think of the time Julian Bream played it for stravinsky. It makes me laugh at how awkward he was, and now it also carries a sense of sadness with it as well.

[@Paksusuoli95]

Beautiful playing on both instruments

[@edisonburjan3654]

The lute makes me feel that I have lived before this life I love it.

[@fernandodecastrolopez5777]

The lout sounds beautiful!! I LOVE It!

[@user-zi4ux8qr2p]

Your presentation is wonderful.

[@careydixon8189]

thank you very much. as a prog rock drummer/multi-instrumentalist it is very treasured to hear!

[@christopherstanford5599]

Great showdown. You inspired me to restring one of my several classical guitars with low tension "gut" strings🤗🤗

[@mchlle94]

What's interesting to me is that the piece becomes so different, like a different story being told. How cool!

[@marcosalmeida3912]

Great video! In fact, all your videos are just great. Not only in terms of use of time, sound and ambience, but also with regards to the systematic, synthetic and didactic approach, let alone the excellent pronunciation and, say, Oxford-ish vocabulary. In short, a hit or miss for guitar lovers and players!

[@ZeuzBluez]

And the winner is..... The guitar in my view.thanks for sharing.

[@edraith]

Always extremely good content

[@robertpaul7184]

Loved both; loved your playing. One thing not mentioned: as a multi-instrumentalist and sometime composer, I find that the particular instrument the music is composed on strongly influences the choices of notes and harmonies. The lute has more sharpness of attack than that particular guitar, especially in the bass. That allows for quicker runs and ornaments in the bass range on the lute. If this were written on guitar, with as deep a bass as yours, perhaps the deeper notes would have been written more sparingly, allowing for the treble to stand out more compared to the bass.

[@StenEdeback]

Interesting! And well played.

[@Trobtwillis]

Dowland and Acker are very impressive musicians. This video is so great! The piece sounded wonderful on both instruments.

[@gilijose]

The content on Brandon's channel only gets better