Brahms guitar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Commonly referred to as the 'Cello-Guitar', the Brahms guitar was invented in 1994 by classical guitarist Paul Galbraith in conjunction with the recently deceased luthier David Rubio. It was originally conceived in order to perform Johannes Brahms' Theme and Variations Opus 21a.
The instrument has eight strings, adding both a high and a low string to the conventional six string guitar. The tuning continues in fourths and the frets are splayed to allow for the different string lengths. The Brahms guitar setup allows to increase the repertoire for the guitar.
Galbraith's method is to play the Brahms guitar in the cello position adding greater freedom to both hands and incorporating a resonating box.
Other practitioners include Everton Gleoden of the Brazilian Guitar Quartet and Galbraith's former Student Redmond O'Toole.
Sources
