Preface

This companion serves as an introduction to playing the 11 - string altgitarr. Whilst no

prior
experience of the altgitarr is necessary, a general understanding of the 6 - string
classical guitar is essential. The companion is divided into four separate segments,
an introducing outlining its history and development together with tuning and
notational practice, a section of progressive exercises, a number of specifically
written studies and a selection of compositions and arrangements for the instrument.

it is important to know where this instrument comes from to understand its role within
the guitar family, that it was never intended as a substitute for the lute, rather an
alternative for guitarists wishing to approach that repertoire. a lute is a lute, and guitar
is a guitar - no matter how many strings! Along with the extra bass strings come
various plucking and muting issues and these sometimes require an additional of
notational symbols for clarification. There are probably as many versions of these as
there are guitarists, but in this companion you will find the most commonly used
solutions that do not conflict with one other function.