Final answer:
The lute was the most popular musical instrument in Renaissance homes. It complemented the era's growing interest in music among the bourgeois class, facilitated by the distribution of musical content through the Gutenberg press.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lute was the most popular instrument in the Renaissance home. The Renaissance period was an era of increasing demand for music in the bourgeois class, leading to the widespread domestic use of musical instruments. Among these, the lute stood out as a particularly favored choice due to its soft and pleasant sound, suitable for the intimate setting of a home. The madrigal, a form that became popular during this time, often featured lute accompaniment. In addition, the invention of the Gutenberg press facilitated the distribution of music and musical theory, making it easier for educated amateurs to learn and play music, which often included the lute.