Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments
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Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments

Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments –  Traditional Chinese musical instruments have a rich history, reflecting a culture that has existed for over 7,000 years. During the Zhou Dynasty, about 3,000 years ago, there were about 70 types of musical instruments recorded in use.

Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments

Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments

 

theaddamsfamilymusicalstore – By now, the number has grown to hundreds, which can be classified into plucked, percussion, bowed, and wind instruments.

Guqin (古琴, Gǔqín)

Let’s start with the Guqin, which is one of the most historical musical instruments in China. This lute family is known as the king of ancient musical instruments and has been around since the Zhou Dynasty. The sound of the Guqin is produced through the technique of string molding. Originally it had five strings, but during the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the Guqin was commonly used with seven strings. This musical instrument is known for its powerful reverberation, ability to play songs with a wide range of notes, and its extraordinary flexibility. The Guqin is suitable for interpreting majestic songs as well as soft and soothing melodies. The deep yet calm sound makes it unique compared to other musical instruments. UNESCO has designated the Guqin as a Chinese cultural heritage that needs to be preserved.

Guzheng (古筝, Gǔzhēng)

Next, the Guzheng is a traditional Chinese plucked musical instrument that was very popular, especially during the Qin Dynasty. Its convex shape and wooden construction give it a distinctive sound character. The Guzheng originally only had five strings, but the number increased to 12 during the Qin and Han Dynasties, and developed again to 14 to 16 strings during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Since 1970, the standard Guzheng has consisted of 21 strings. With its ability to imitate the sound of waves and wind, the Guzheng has become a very expressive musical instrument.

 

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Pipa (琵琶, Pípá)

The Pipa is a pear-shaped plucked musical instrument with four or five strings. The way to play it is similar to the Guqin, but the Pipa is more flexible and can produce a variety of sounds – from melancholy to cheerful. Since the Qin Dynasty (221 BC – 206 BC), the Pipa has played an important role in Chinese music for over 2,000 years. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it became very popular in the court and was played horizontally, equipped with frets that allowed for a rich variety of tones.

Erhu (二胡, Èrhú)

Erhu, one of the most famous string instruments, is also part of China’s cultural heritage. It has evolved from the Xiqin, Jiqin, and Huqin during the Tang and Song Dynasties. The sound of the Erhu is very varied: from gentle to passionate. Many Chinese opera performances use the Erhu as the main instrument, demonstrating its ability to create deep emotions.

Xiao (箫, Xiāo)

Finally, the Xiao is a vertical flute that has historical roots dating back to ancient times. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, the term Xiao referred to the Paixiao, a flute consisting of 16 pipes arranged horizontally, each producing a different tone. However, the use of this instrument began to decline since the Song and Yuan Dynasties.

Overall, traditional Chinese musical instruments are not only part of the performing arts, but also reflect the long journey of fascinating culture and history.
The Xiao that we know today is a variation of the Qiandi musical instrument that originated from the Han Dynasty, and is made of a single tube. Initially, the Xiao was an instrument played by minority groups. Its soft and elegant sound makes it an excellent alternative to the Guqin. No wonder, the Xiao became a favorite choice for those who aspired to live in the mountains or by the sea.

Dizi (Chinese: 笛子, Pinyin: Dízi)
Let’s explore more about eight traditional Chinese musical instruments.

The Dizi is a wind instrument, a horizontal flute originating from China, with a vibrating membrane that produces sound. Before the Han Dynasty, the term “Di” referred to the vertical flute. However, during the Tang Dynasty, the name “Di” began to be used for the horizontal flute, while “Xiao” referred to the vertical flute. In the 7th century AD, a membrane was added to the flute, and the name of the instrument was transformed into Dizi.

Dizi is known for its clear, loud, pleasant, and energetic sound. It is perfect for creating a joyful atmosphere. In addition, its relatively simple and affordable manufacturing process has made it a very popular musical instrument among the people.

 

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Yangqin (Chinese: 扬琴, Pinyin: Yángqín)
Let’s explore more about eight traditional Chinese musical instruments.

Yangqin is a multi-stringed percussion instrument consisting of three main parts: the frame, the strings, and the keys. It is played by hitting the strings with a bamboo mallet.

Bianzhong (Chinese: 编钟, pinyin: Biānzhōng)
Let’s learn more about the eight traditional Chinese musical instruments.

Bianzhong is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of bronze bells of various sizes, played melodically. With a unique design, each empty bell is carved with an animal face. This set functions as a polyphonic instrument, with some bells dating back to 2,000 to 3,600 years ago. These bells are hung in a wooden frame and struck using a mallet.

There are various types of Bianzhong, depending on the number of bells it has, which can be 9, 13, 16, 64, and so on. The sound of Bianzhong resembles the sound of a bell, clear, pure, and resonant.

This musical instrument has a great influence on Chinese rituals and music in ancient times.

# Hulusi 葫芦丝 — The Cucurbit Flute
The Hulusi, a captivating free-reed wind instrument, is closely associated with the ethnic minorities of Yunnan and southern China. This unique instrument features three bamboo pipes and a gourd wind chest, which functions as the mouthpiece. The central pipe is equipped with finger holes, while the two side pipes function as drones.

Renowned for its enchanting sound and elegant, gentle appearance, the Hulusi is not only easy to learn but also highly popular among primary and middle school students, music enthusiasts, and travelers from around the globe. A well-loved melody often performed on the Hulusi is “Phoenix Tail Bamboo under Moonlight” (月光下的凤尾竹).

# Suona 唢呐 — The Chinese Trumpet
The suona, also known aslaba or simply the horn, is a traditional Chinese wind instrument crafted from wood and featuring a tubular brass or copper bocal, to which a small double reed is affixed. The instrument culminates in a metal, bell-shaped mouth.