Dutor - Uzbek Traditional Music Instrument
Uzbek Music Instrument - Dutor
The Dutar (also Dotar or Doutar) is a traditional long-necked two-stringed lute found in Iran and Central Asia. Its name comes from the Persian word for "two strings." The instrument has a warm, dulcet tone and is known for its rich, soulful melodies.
History and Materials
The Dutor dates back to the 15th century and was originally a shepherd’s instrument. Strings were once made from gut, but with the rise of Silk Road trade, silk strings from China became more common. Today, nylon strings are also widely used.
Performance and Features
The Dutor is played by plucking or strumming and varies in style across ethnic groups such as the Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turkmen, and Uyghurs. Its body is typically pear-shaped and ranges from one to two meters in length.
Related Instruments
String
- Rubob (long-necked fretted lute)
- Tanbur (long-necked fretted lute)
- Tor (long-necked fretted lute)
- Ud (long-necked fretted lute)
- Gijjak (spike fiddle)
- Chang (struck zither)
Wind
- Karnay (long trumpet)
- Nay (side-blown flute)
- Qoshnay (reed clarinet-like instrument)
- Surnay (loud oboe)
Percussion
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