What is a Hurdy-Gurdy?

A hurdy-gurdy is a traditional European string instrument that produces sound using a rotating wheel rather than a bow. The instrument has a wooden body similar to a small lute or violin and contains several strings that are rubbed by a rosined wheel turned by a hand crank. As the wheel rotates, it continuously vibrates the strings, creating a sustained sound.

The hurdy-gurdy is played by turning the crank with one hand while pressing keys with the other hand to change the pitch of the melody strings. Inside the instrument, small tangents connected to the keys press against the strings to create different notes. In addition to melody strings, the instrument usually includes drone strings that produce a constant background tone, giving the music a distinctive medieval or folk character.

The instrument has a long history in European folk and medieval music traditions, especially in France, Spain, Hungary, and parts of Eastern Europe. It was historically used by traveling musicians and folk performers and is known for its buzzing rhythmic effect created by a special bridge mechanism. Today, the hurdy-gurdy is used in traditional folk music as well as modern folk and experimental genres, where its unique drone and mechanical sound add a distinctive texture.