Information about Chinese Instruments

Erhu    

The erhu is a spike fiddle with two strings. It has a long neck and a round, hexagonal, octagonal or tubular body made of wood and covered with the skin of a python or other snake. Historically, the strings were made of twisted silk, but are now more often made of metal. The bow used to play the erhu is made of horsehair strung on a stick of bamboo. In performance, the erhu is held in the player’s left hand and supported on the left thigh while the right hand moves the bow.

Instrument similar to the erhu have been prevalent in Chinese music since the 12th century C.E. The fiddle’s fine, lyrically expressive sound has made it a popular solo instrument in small folk and classical ensembles and in Chinese national orchestras.

Guzheng

The Zheng, or Chinese zither, has a history of over 2000 years. The Chinese Guzheng, the Japanese Koto, the Korean Kaygum, and the Vietnamese Dan Tranh are all decedents of the Qin Zheng which originated from the QIn State during the Warring period (450- 221 B.C.). Among all Chinese Traditional musical instruments, guzheng has the most beautiful sounds.

The modern day Guzheng is a plucked, half-tube zither with movable bridges and 21 strings, although it can have anywhere from 13 to 26 strings. The Guzheng’s strings were formerly made of twisted silk, though by the 20th century most players used metal strings. Since the mid 20th century most performers use steel strings flat wound with nylon.