Guzheng Facts
The guzheng or Gu Zheng is a Chinese string instrument. Sometimes the name is shortened to zheng. No matter what you call it, the large, slender instrument functions as a plucked zither with 18 or more strings and movable bridges.
According to musicologists, the guzheng was inspired by early bamboo tube zithers. Today’s guzheng is quite different from the instruments made centuries ago. Modern players use picks–called DaiMao–which are often made from hawksbill turtle shells. Ancient picks were carved from ivory or tortoise shells.
Western musical styles have inspired a more modern playing technique where the left hand is used to provide harmony and bass notes. This allows for greater flexibility in the instrument’s musical range, but tends to limit subtle ornamentations provided by the left hand in more traditional music. Students at the Beijing Conservatory are required to learn a repertoire of both traditional and modern pieces.
Here are a few more interesting guzheng facts. Centuries ago the strings were made from silk. Today they’re nearly always metal-nylon, which increases the instrument’s capabilities, volume, and timbre. The strings are capable of creating graceful sounds that mimic a cascading waterfall, or stronger sounds like thunder and trotting horses.
Guzheng Music
Indeed, well known pieces for the guzheng suggest a connection to nature. For example, Yu Zhou Chang Wan (Songs of Fishing Boats at Dusk), Gao Shan Liu Shui (High Mountains Flowing Water), and Han Gong Qiu Yue (Autumn Moon Over the Han Palace).
More Guzheng Facts
Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a guzhengist or Chinese harpist.
Notable guzhengists include Bei Bei He, Shirley Wang, Melody Yan, and Wang Zhongshan.
Chinese Girl Playing Guzheng
Hand Painted Oil Painting on Canvas
Hand Painted Beautiful Young Chinese Girl Playing Guzheng (Zither)
Listen to the Guzheng
Performed by Wang Zhongshan
The musical piece is called “Fishermen’s Song at Eventide.”
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Dunhuang Burmese Rosewood Guzheng with Master Signature
Product details:
- Single-piece professional grade paulownia soundboard and backboard
- Frame is made by Burmese rosewood with wood carving in the famous Banana Panel Night Rain design
- Professional grade rosewood bridges
- Accessories include guzheng picks and tape, tuning wrench, soundboard cleaning brush, soft carrying case
- Professional Guzheng chromatic tuner
- Two-piece matching stands
- English and Chinese manual included
- Dunhuang’s professional model is top seller in the market
Dunhuang 694KK Burmese Rosewood Guzheng with Master SignatureIncludes Everything You Need to Learn and Play this Beautiful Chinese String Instrument
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Lovermusic 1-21# Steel Wire and Nylon Guzheng Strings – Chinese Zither Accessory – Pack of 21LANDTOM 16 Pieces (2 Sets) General Level Guzheng Finger Picks – Chinese Zither Finger Picks (Adult)
ARTIBETTER Guzheng Rosewood Musical Bridge for Chinese Zither – Replacement Parts – 21 Pieces
Gazechimp 87.5cm Guzheng Bridge Position Schematic Diagram for Beginners – High-Quality Paper
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