Whether they were playing folk music or Rock'n'Roll is hard to say, but the Young Gallants were obviously into Gittars in the mid 17c....

Musicks Delight. (1652)

The Preface.

It is observed that of late years all Solemn and Grave Musick is much laid aside, being esteemed too heavy and dull for the light Heels and Brains of this Nimble and wanton Age; Nor is any Musick rendred acceptable, or esteemed by many, but what is presented by forreigners; Not a City Dame though a Tap-wife, but is ambitious to have her Daughters Taught by Mounsieur La Novo Kikshawibus on the Gittar, which Instrument is but a new (old one) used in London in the time of Q. Mary, as appears by a Book Printed in English of Instructions and Lessons for the same, about the beginning of Qn. Elizabeths Reign, being not much different from the Cithren, only that (it) was strung with Gut-strings, this with wyre, which was accounted the more sprightly and cheerful Musick, and was in more esteem (till of late years) then the Gittar: Therefore to revive and restore this Harmonious Instrument, I have adventured to publish this little Book of Instructions and Lessons, making it my design and study to be useful for the practice of young Beginners, by a more plain and easie method than has been heretofore published, Omitting all those difficult full Stops which former Lessons were stuft with, whereby the Tune intended was quite lost, the Ear and Patience of the Practitioner Confounded.......The Tunes herein are most of them new, and set after the manner of the Gittar way of playing, which I hope will render it the more acceptable among our young Gallants , for whose delight is also added some short Ayres and Songs to sing to the Cithren, .....

The Cithren is strung with eight Wyre Strings, which are divided into four Course, two in a Course, Each Course hath his distinction and name according to the four several Parts of Musick:the first Course or smallest strings are called Trebles, the second Means, the third (which are usual of twisted Wyre) Basses, the fourth Tenors:

John Playford