The lute (or laguto) is a long-armed stringed instrument played with a quill. It is a synthesis of elements from the ancient Greek pandura and the Arabic oud. The lute as an accompanying instrument is an integral member of the company (clarinet, violin, lute, santouri, tambourine), of the typical ensemble of mainland Greece, but also of the island zygia (violin or lyre, lute).
The lute is found in almost all regions of Greece. In Crete, Karpathos, the Cyclades but also in Epirus it can have a more melodic, sometimes soloist role, while depending on the region it is found it is also played with the corresponding technique.