By the end of the 16th century, the invention of opera and the desire for a more bass-heavy lute brought about the creation of the theorbo (or chitarrone, meaning “big guitar). Throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, the theorbo was a standard basso continuo instrument, providing harmonic support alongside organ, harpsichord, harp, and other bass instruments.
One half of the theorbo functions like a large lute, played with frets, while the other half consists of strings strung over a very long neck, extending the range downward.
