A Signature Instrument
The krar is a six-string lyre central to Ethiopian and Oromo music. Its bowl-shaped body, two upright arms, and crossbar structure have existed in the Horn of Africa for millennia.
Construction
| Part | Material |
|---|---|
| Body | Often wood or animal skin-covered wood |
| Arms | Curved wooden pieces |
| Crossbar | Horizontal bar connecting arms |
| Strings | 6 (traditionally gut; now often nylon) |
Tuning
Krars are typically tuned to pentatonic scales — especially:
- Tezeta
- Bati
- Anchihoye
- Ambassel
Each mode creates a distinctive emotional character.
Playing Style
- Held against the chest or shoulder
- Plucked with fingers (right hand)
- Left hand may mute/unmute strings
- Often accompanies vocals
- Supports improvisation
In Oromo Music
The krar features prominently in:
- Wedding music
- Ballads and love songs
- Ali Birra-era recordings
- Modern Oromo productions
Masters
Notable krar players (Oromo and broader Ethiopian):
- Various traditional masters
- Modern recording artists who blend krar with contemporary arrangements
Cultural Status
The krar carries emotional weight — a sound instantly recognized across Ethiopian and Oromo listeners as home.
Modern Adaptations
Contemporary artists have:
- Electrified the krar
- Integrated it into world music
- Used it in jazz fusion
- Preserved traditional playing
Learning the Krar
Traditional learning is master-apprentice. Modern music schools in Ethiopia also teach krar, and diaspora teachers offer lessons.
Key takeaway: The krar — ancient six-string lyre — anchors Ethiopian and Oromo musical tradition, carrying emotional depth in every note.