Experimental-numerical correlation of the dynamic behavior of the Portuguese guitar

The Portuguese guitar is a pear-shaped plucked chordophone particularly known for its role in Fado, the most distinctive traditional Portuguese musical style. The acknowledgment of the dynamic behavior of the Portuguese guitar, specifically of its modal and mode shape response, has been the subject of a few researches. In this research, the experimental results of the dynamic behavior of the guitar, which were previously obtained, are correlated with a vibroacoustic finite element model of the guitar. The results of the correlation between experimental and numerical data are presented and the respective correspondence is discussed. The influence of the air inside the chamber on the computational results is shown to be crucial to characterize the low-frequency modes of the Portuguese guitar, whilst, for higher frequency modes, the geometry of the guitar assumes greater relevance. A comparison of the obtained results is also made with ones from the classical guitar, providing relevant information about the intrinsic differences between both, such as between their tones and other acoustical properties. These results represent a sustained base for future work on the Portuguese guitar, being as well an asset to the comprehension of its musical properties and qualities and may, furthermore, represent an advantage for its players and luthiers.