The battente guitar (in italian chitarra battente) emerged during the 17th century, a period when the city of Rome became the epicenter for the production of metal strings, which would come to define the instrument’s sound.
Subsequently, numerous production centers sprang up, mainly located in southern Italy. Originally, the Italian guitar was played by cultured individuals performing at court. Over the centuries, however, it became a predominantly popular instrument. Starting from the 19th century, there was a trend reversal: from an elitist instrument, it evolved into a folk instrument, leading to an increase in production, though often characterized by poor craftsmanship. During this time, workshops emerged where artisans improvised the manufacturing process, frequently using low-quality wood.
Paradoxically, at the height of its use, particularly in popular contexts, the battente guitar began to be dismissed by court circles due to its inferior quality. Nevertheless, southern populations continued to play the instrument, and by the 20th century, it had become a true symbol of national pride. This was largely thanks to the continuous efforts of some luthiers and internationally renowned artists.
Moreover, in the 1920s, during the era of migration, individuals emigrating from southern Italy brought battente guitars with them to North and South America, contributing significantly to the instrument’s spread to distant lands.
How the Battente Guitar Is Made
It has a distinctive design, especially when compared to modern classical guitars. It features an elongated figure-eight shape with gentle curves, making it comfortable to use. This aspect makes it very easy to play. The instrument also has fairly deep sides, while the body is very small. The soundboard features a decorated rosette, and the headstock has ten tuners around which strings of the same gauge are wound. The rosette can be made of parchment or wood and is designed to obscure the often-rough internal structure of the instrument. Naturally, both the nut and the tuners can vary in terms of materials and decorative elements. Depending on the model, the guitar’s surface is made from different types of wood, though most examples use cherry wood and spruce. The wooden bridge is quite low (reminiscent of a mandolin), is movable, and is connected to a tailpiece anchored to the lower part of the guitar body. Both the headstock (which is long and angled at 15° relative to the neck) and the rest of the body often feature intricate decorations, making this instrument a true gem of Italian lutherie. The fretboard of the battente guitar, compared to a modern guitar, has fewer frets (ranging from 8 to 12), which are quite low and adorned with embellishments that enhance its unique design. The number of strings varies depending on the instrument’s construction: there are four-string, six-string, and twelve-string models. However, the gauge of the strings remains consistent, contributing to the creation of a very particular sound.
To better understand the structural characteristics of the instrument, you may find the following video by Marcello De Carolis helpful, as it also highlights the differences between the battente guitar and the classical guitar.
The Sound
As with all string instruments, tuning is necessary before playing. Due to its unique string arrangement, the battente guitar uses a re-entrant tuning, a method where the progression of notes is non-linear. It employs a five-course tuning system as follows: A5, D4, G3, B2, and E1, where A5 and D4 are tuned an octave higher compared to other guitars of the era (such as the French guitar). This tuning system gives the instrument a distinctive sound, making it easily recognizable compared to other guitar models. The typically thin string gauge also contributes to the creation of a sound rich in harmonics. In terms of performance, the guitar is played by striking the strings with the right hand, imparting the characteristic rhythm that complements traditional southern Italian melodies like serenades and folk songs. It is not a solo instrument but rather conceived as an accompaniment tool, primarily serving a rhythmic function.
The Role of the Right Hand in Playing the Battente Guitar
The right hand provides rhythm to the performance, making it crucial in playing the Italian guitar. Various playing styles allow performers to produce different rhythms, such as the classic alternation of the fingernails on the middle and ring fingers with the fingertips. Different combinations during execution make this instrument capable of producing a unique harmonic and percussive effect. The wrist also plays an important role: by keeping the right wrist steady, the fingers perform a circular motion that strikes the instrument’s strings, creating a rhythm that varies in speed and intensity. In conclusion, the right hand sets the rhythm for the performance and adds expressive depth to this marvelous musical instrument.
An Ideal Instrument for Singing (and More)
The battente guitar is particularly well-suited for accompanying singing, as its rich harmonic production provides the ideal sonic foundation for vocal performances.
While its primary purpose is as an accompaniment instrument, it can also be combined with other instruments such as the accordion/concertina and the bagpipes. Additionally, the battente guitar plays a significant role in supporting dances like the tarantella, an expression of southern Italy’s melodic tradition, as well as in folk and polyphonic songs.
Rarely is this instrument used for solo performances, as it is primarily intended for accompaniment. However, skilled players may perform solo pieces on the battente guitar using the finger-picking technique, a method of Anglo-Saxon origin where the thumb initiates the first note of a triplet, followed by the index and middle fingers for the remaining notes. Over the years, the battente guitar (or Italian guitar) has become a true symbol of Italian musical culture.