The Instruments
乐器
The Guzheng and Yangqin are relatively modern instruments that were only recently developed in China in the mid-1900s. However, despite their recent “modernization”, they are deeply ingrained in Asia’s history. Various forms of the Yangqin and Guzheng can be found throughout the Asian continent, which is the result of the Silk Road.
古筝 Guzheng
The Guzheng is constructed by a light wooden frame with 21 to 25 strings running across it. The strings of the Guzheng are supported by wooden bridges, which rub diagonally across the face of the instrument and are adjusted to alter the key and fine-tune the notes. The Guzheng is played using 8 nail-sized picks that are taped to the musician’s fingers in order to pluck and strum the strings. The picks are traditionally made of tortoise shell, but nowadays are also made using plastic.
扬琴 Yangqin
The Yangqin is constructed of a wooden frame and four to six bridges running vertically across its face. Strung across these bridges are 140 to 160 steel or copper strings. Similar to a piano, multiple strings constitute one note in order to generate a more full-bodied sound. The Yanqqin is played by using two thin rubber-headed bamboo sticks to strike and pluck the strings.