Very First Insturments

"The Oxford Companion to Musical Insturments" Anthony Baines

Lutes

• Tuning of strings have changed throughout the years.
• Known as a 'renaisance insturment'
• History of the Lute dates back to the 15th century.

Lyres

• 1. The African Lyre
• 2. The Ancient Lyre
• 3. Greek Lyre
• Strings varied from 7-10

Harps

• Early developed in Western Europe.
• History of the harp dates back to the 9th century. Seen in historic paintings.
• No one knows where it first arose. (West Europe)
• First came the Medieval harp, then the Doubled stringed harp,  a hook and petaled harp, and Harpe Chromatique. 

Zithers

• Native to Austria and Bavaria
• It is laid flat on your lap as you play it
• Metal Picks can be worn on fingers(like the banjo)
• Instrument dates back to 1800's

In this book (book/article, etc.), Anthony Baines(author)   claims (claims/argues/explains) that Lutes, Lyres, Harps, and Zithers were early instruments that were based off the instrument we play today. The Author gives all the background information and history on these instruments, as well as many other instruments. (identify author’s argument/purpose).
One reason/fact/example that supports this main idea is that this book is set up like a dictionary so you can easily look up many instruments. Another reason/fact/example that supports this main idea is, each instrument shows its 'parent instrument'- or what first instrument it was based off of. 
. Finally, the author gives the reason/fact/example of showing how each instrument makes sound, which proves to us how one instrument can be based of another instrument, to support the main idea.
These ideas are similar (connected/similar) to the music theory of chords and music. (something you learned or experienced previously)because each musical chord is based of a specific note, just like a modern instrument is based off a 'parent instrument'. (explanation of connection).