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Free reeds and interruptive aerophones

Guitjo

The guitjo is a member of the free reeds and interruptive aerophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 41.232.21). Learn how it makes its sound and explore related instruments.

How the guitjo makes its sound

In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the guitjo belongs to the free reeds and interruptive aerophones: air is periodically interrupted by a vibrating reed or blade – the accordion, harmonica, sheng and bullroarer.

More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.

Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.

From Wikipedia

A banjo guitar, also known as banjitar or ganjo, is a six-string banjo tuned in the standard tuning of a six-string guitar (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 from lowest to highest strings). The instrument is intended to allow guitar players to emulate a banjo, without learning the different tuning and fingering techniques required for the standard five-string banjo.

The banjo guitar differs from the standard five-string banjo in the number of strings, playing and tuning methods, and a slightly different timbre. The first versions of six-string banjos were introduced in the late 19th century though did not gain popularity. The concept was reintroduced in the mid to late 20th century.

Other free reeds and interruptive aerophones

Frequently asked questions

What does a guitjo sound like?

As one of the free reeds and interruptive aerophones, its sound comes from the way air is periodically interrupted by a vibrating reed or blade.

What type of instrument is the guitjo?

It is classified as free reeds and interruptive aerophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 41.232.21).

Sources & credits