Pipa

The pipa (琵琶) is China's oldest stringed instrument, written differently (枇杷) in the earliest texts. Pi and pa refer to the way the instrument is played. Pi is to strike outward with the right hand, while pa is to pluck inward towards the palm of the hand. The pipa has an important status in traditional music and has the reputation of the king of traditional music.

Experience Sharing

At first, the way I held the pipa was wrong. After adjustment, it was better. I tried to play a few tones. Its sounds were both beautiful and unique! For me, it was a valuable experience.

Liuqin

The liuqin is similar to the pipa in terms of appearance, structure, and the ways the instruments are played. The liuqin is made by willow wood. The other references to the liuqin are the tu pipa (土琵琶) and the liuyeqin (柳葉琴). It is an essential plucked musical instrument with high range of voice in traditional music, known as the pearl of traditional music.

Experience Sharing

The liuqin is almost a miniature copy of the pipa. It is easier to start. I tried to pluck its strings and found that it had higher voice than the pipa. I was excited to play the pipa and the liuqin! I like the liuqin as it is smaller. And I hope that I can have a chance to learn how to play it.

Zhongruan

The zhongruan is the musical instrument with alto voice. Its tones are soft and gentle. Its rich rhythm changes in performance can highlight the features of music pieces. At CCCO, if two or more zhongruan are used to play harmony, the alto voice of plucked string instruments will be more abundant.

Experience Sharing

At the beginning, I did not know to hold the zhongruan because it was a little big. The sounds of the zhongruan were nice and comfortable.

Daruan

The daruan is a bass musical instrument with soft and profound sounds. It can be played in solo pieces and mostly in accompaniment or orchestral music.

Experience Sharing

Because the daruan is too large, it was very difficult to hold it while playing. The front side of the daruan looked like a human face. I tried to play it. Its sounds were good and strong.

Yangqin

The yangqin is the only musical instrument in Chinese folk music which has both the characteristics of percussion instruments and string instruments. Its voices are clear and melodious. Rich melody results from various percussion skills. It is suitable for lively pieces.

Experience Sharing

The yangqin is played by two hammers made of flexible bamboo. I felt it is difficult to play the yangqin well. One needs to pay attention to the strength of percussion, reads the music score fast, and coordinates both hands. More importantly, the yangqin has more than a hundred strings, which can make the eyes confused.

Guzheng

The guzheng is one of China's oldest stringed instruments. It was popular in the Warring States period. It has a history of more than 2,500 years. It has beautiful tone, wide range of voice, and rich musical skills and is loved by many.

Experience Sharing

At the beginning, I used my finger pulps to pluck the strings, but failed to produce the tone of the guzheng. Then, I tried to use a pick which turned out to be better and produced the tone of the guzheng.