Çifteli

The Çifteli (also spelled Çiftelia) is a two-stringed plucked instrument, traditional primarily to Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and parts of Montenegro. Its name translates literally as "double stringed" from Albanian. It is typically used to accompany folk songs, dances, and epic ballads.

The instrument's construction usually involves a single piece of carved wood forming the body and neck. The soundboard is typically made of a separate, thinner piece of wood. The two strings, often made of steel or gut, are tuned to different pitches, creating a drone effect.

Playing the çifteli involves plucking the strings with a plectrum or fingers. One string typically plays the melody, while the other provides a drone or harmony. The fingering technique usually involves pressing the strings against the neck with the fingers to create different notes. The instrument's scale is diatonic, meaning it primarily utilizes a specific seven-note scale.

The çifteli holds significant cultural importance in Albanian and related cultures. It is often played at celebrations, weddings, and other social gatherings. The instrument is seen as a symbol of national identity and is actively preserved and promoted through music schools and cultural organizations. Regional variations in the instrument's construction and playing style exist.