Enhance your string musical instrument knowledge with our educational guides and resources. Instrument history, players, composers and compositions.
What is a Cimbalom Instrument? The Cimbalom is a large, hammered dulcimer widely played in Eastern European folk and classical music. Known for its bright, resonant sound, the cimbalom has a trapezoidal shape with numerous metal strings stretched over a…
What is a Hurdy-Gurdy Instrument? The Hurdy-gurdy is a unique string instrument played by turning a crank to rotate a wheel that vibrates the strings. Known for its rich, droning sound, the hurdy-gurdy is a key instrument in European folk…
What is a Crwth Instrument? The Crwth is an ancient string instrument from Wales, characterized by its unique design and bowed playing style. Often considered a precursor to the modern violin, the crwth has a flat, rectangular body with a…
What is a Clarsach Instrument? The Clarsach is a traditional harp native to Scotland and Ireland. Recognizable for its smaller size and unique, triangular shape, the clarsach is often decorated with intricate carvings or metalwork. Its bright, delicate tone and…
What is an Ektara Instrument? The Ektara is a traditional single-stringed instrument commonly played in folk music across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Known for its simple design and rich, droning sound, the ektara is widely used in devotional music and…
Sarangi Instrument Summary The Sarangi is a traditional bowed string instrument originating from India and is also widely played in Pakistan and Nepal. Known for its deep, resonant, and soulful tone, the sarangi has a carved wooden body, three main…
What is a Tumbi Instrument? The Tumbi is a traditional string instrument originating from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, known for its sharp, high-pitched sound. It has a simple design with a single string and a small wooden…
What is a Zhonghu Instrument? The Zhonghu is a traditional Chinese string instrument, part of the huqin family, and similar in appearance to the erhu but larger in size. It produces a deeper, mellower sound compared to the erhu, making…
What is a Ghijak Instrument? The Ghijak is a traditional string instrument primarily played in Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and parts of Iran. It is a bowed lute, known for its high-pitched, resonant tone, and is used in…
What is a Chardha Instrument? The Chardha is a traditional string instrument from Afghanistan, primarily used in folk music and regional traditions. It is similar in design to other lute-like instruments and features a small wooden body with gut or…
