Hurdy Gurdy Introduction.

   This interactive article exists as an anthropological study of the Hurdy Gurdy, an instrument with fairly ancient roots. The instrument is an interesting one as it applies to anthropology because it has seen many different uses throughout the world, both mechanically and culturally, since it’s original creation around the 10th century. Included in this first post will be a brief explanation of the instrument, along with an example of it’s use provided via video.

The Hurdy Gurdy: What is it?


   The Hurdy Gurdy is a stringed instrument that is operated by turning a crank attached to a wheel, which serves as a kind of bow to vibrate the strings. It is a three to six stringed instrument, usually three. One of these strings is accompanied with a set of keys that can be used to stop the strings along it’s length, allowing for a melody to be played. The others are tuned to be in key with the first and serve as droning strings. Usually there is also a trompette or “buzzing bridge”, in which one of the strings is placed over the bridge, producing a rhythm as the bridge vibrates against the sound board. Trained use in this particular feature can result in a unique, raspy rhythm that is accented and manipulated with the movement of the crank. This allows for a somewhat versatile instrument in which you can have droning notes, melody, and also the rhythm provided by the hand crank/wheel/trompette apparatus. The common form has a strap and sits in the lap of the player and is shaped similarly to a violin, although many variations exist including more boxy models, non arched models that sit easier in the users lap, and more guitar like shapes.

                    A common Hurdy Gurdy with its different parts labeled.





   The following is a video of the Hurdy Gurdy being used to play a traditional Russian folk song. Notice the three strings, one over the bridge, one manipulated with the keys, and one droning a single note with no manipulation whatsoever. The raspy rhythm mentioned above is evident, especially in the first few seconds. Also unique in this example are the clicks provided by the keys as they are manipulated by the user, resulting in an interesting rhythm. The Hurdy Gurdy, as will be shown in greater detail later, is prevalent in folk music in many cultures, including France, Russian, Scandinavian, and most medieval traditions.