Enhance your string musical instrument knowledge with our educational guides and resources. Instrument history, players, composers and compositions.
Veena Instrument Summary The Veena is a traditional Indian string instrument known for its deep, resonant sound and intricately carved body. It typically has seven strings and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers. The veena is a…
Sarod Instrument Summary The Sarod is a traditional Indian string instrument known for its deep, resonant sound and fretless metal fingerboard. It typically has 17 to 25 strings, including melody, drone, and sympathetic strings, and is played with a plectrum…
Jarana Instrument Summary The Jarana is a traditional Mexican string instrument known for its small, guitar-like body and bright, rhythmic sound. It typically has five or eight strings and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The jarana is a…
Arpa Jarocha Instrument Summary The Arpa Jarocha is a traditional Mexican string instrument known for its large, harp-like body and rich, resonant sound. It typically has 36 to 37 strings and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers.…
Vihuela Instrument Summary The Vihuela is a traditional Mexican string instrument known for its small, guitar-like body and bright, resonant sound. It has five strings and is typically played with a plectrum or fingers. The vihuela is a key instrument…
Qinqin Instrument Summary The Qinqin is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its unique body shape and clear, resonant sound. It typically has a round or octagonal body and three strings, which are plucked with a plectrum or fingers.…
Liuqin Instrument Summary The Liuqin is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its pear-shaped body and bright, clear sound. It is a smaller relative of the pipa and has four strings, which are played with a plectrum. The liuqin…
Zhongruan Instrument Summary The Zhongruan is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its round, moon-shaped body and warm, mellow sound. It has four strings and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The zhongruan is a key instrument in…
Gaohu Instrument Summary The Gaohu is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its high pitch and bright, clear sound. It is similar to the erhu but tuned higher and often used to play lyrical and expressive melodies. The gaohu…
Guzheng Instrument Summary The Guzheng is a very ancient traditional Chinese string instrument known for its broad, expressive range and beautiful, resonant sound. It features a large, curved wooden body with 16 to 25 strings stretched over movable bridges. The…
