Enhance your string musical instrument knowledge with our educational guides and resources. Instrument history, players, composers and compositions.
Haegeum Instrument Summary The Haegeum is a traditional Korean string instrument with a unique, high-pitched, and expressive sound. It has a vertical, hollow wooden body with two silk or nylon strings and is played with a bow. Often described as…
What is an Ajaeng Instrument? The Ajaeng is a traditional Korean string instrument known for its deep, raspy sound. It is a large zither-like instrument played by bowing its strings with a resined stick. The ajaeng’s unique tonal quality, characterized…
Gayageum Instrument Summary The Gayageum is a traditional Korean string instrument, known for its soft, lyrical sound. It features a long wooden body with movable bridges that support 12 or more silk or nylon strings. The instrument is plucked with…
Viola de Cocho Instrument Summary The Viola de Cocho is a traditional Brazilian string instrument primarily associated with the Mato Grosso and Goiás regions of Brazil. It is known for its distinctive pear-shaped body carved from a single piece of…
Jinghu Instrument Summary The jinghu is a traditional Chinese string instrument, known for its high-pitched, bright sound. It is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the huqin family, playing a central role in Peking opera performances. Made with a bamboo…
Viola Caipira Instrument Summary The Viola Caipira is a traditional string instrument from Brazil known for its bright, resonant sound. It is typically used in Brazilian folk and country music, especially in the sertanejo and música caipira genres. The instrument…
Daguqin Instrument Summary The Daguqin, also commonly known as the Guqin, is an ancient Chinese string instrument with a long, flat body and seven silk or metal strings. Revered for its deep cultural and philosophical significance, it produces soft, tranquil…
Rabeca Instrument Summary The Rabeca is a traditional Brazilian string instrument, resembling a rustic fiddle, that is primarily used in folk and regional music. It has a distinctive, earthy sound and is typically played with a bow, much like a…
Bandolim Instrument Summary The Bandolim is a traditional Brazilian string instrument that resembles the mandolin, with its bright, clear sound and four pairs of metal strings. It is widely used in Brazilian choro music and other traditional styles, and its…
Guitarra Baiana Instrument Summary The Guitarra Baiana is a traditional Brazilian electric string instrument that is closely related to the electric guitar but has a smaller, ukulele-like body. It is primarily associated with the music of Bahia, where it plays…
