Getting to know Chinese Musical Instruments

BLOWN

BOWED

PLUCKED

STROKED

Click on the numbers below to enjoy Chinese Traditional tunes in MIDI format.

Plucked Strings Instruments

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Gu-zheng is a very expressive Chinese musical instrument.  A standard gu-zheng consists of 21 strings tuned in pentatonic scale, with a long wooden body.    When plucked, the instrument produces a mild, soft, elegant and resplendent sound.   In orchestra, it is commonly used to imitate the lilting sound of graceful, flowing water.  However, due to the low volume it possessed, it became more famous as a solo instrument.  

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Yang chin (Chinese dulcimer) is now one of the principal instruments of the Chinese orchestra.  It is played with bamboo mallets and produces a metallic tone which resembles the harpsichord.  The instrument has a range of four octaves with sliders and rollers built at the side, making modulation quick and accurate. 

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Pipa (Chinese lute) is a four-stringed plucked instrument with bamboo frets glued on its soundboard.   Due to its resonant, clear and enchanting timbre, pipa has became the representative of the plucked strings instruments.  The playing techniques of pipa vary widely.  These lead to great degree of difficulties when approaching performance standard.  

Ruan, the moon guitar, comes in a variety of different sizes and pitches, and is fitted with four strings

Sanxian, literally means "three strings", is also known as Samsien in Japan. It uses a long fretless fingerboard.