Enhance your string musical instrument knowledge with our educational guides and resources. Instrument history, players, composers and compositions.
Sanxian Instrument Summary The Sanxian is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its long neck, round body, and three strings. It is played with a plectrum or fingers and produces a distinctive, resonant sound. The sanxian is a key…
Ruan Instrument Summary The Ruan is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its round, moon-shaped body and rich, mellow sound. It has four strings and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The ruan is a key instrument in…
Yangqin Instrument Summary The Yangqin is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its bright and resonant sound. It is a type of hammered dulcimer with a trapezoidal wooden body and numerous strings stretched over bridges. The instrument is played…
What is a Pipa Instrument? The Pipa instrument is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its pear-shaped wooden body and expressive, dynamic sound. It has four strings and is played with finger picks, allowing for a wide range of…
What is an Erhu Instrument? The Erhu is a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its expressive and melancholic sound. Often referred to as the Chinese violin, it has two strings and is played with a bow. The erhu is…
Bandoneón Instrument Summary The Bandoneón is a type of concertina, a free-reed instrument similar to an accordion, known for its rich, expressive sound. It is particularly associated with tango music in Argentina and Uruguay. The instrument features a distinctive button…
Cuatro Venezolano Instrument Description The Cuatro Venezolano is a traditional string instrument from Venezuela, known for its bright, cheerful sound. It resembles a small guitar with four nylon strings and is commonly used in folk music. The instrument’s distinctive tone…
Cavaquinho Instrument Description The Cavaquinho is a small string instrument from Brazil and Portugal, known for its bright and lively sound. It resembles a small guitar with four wire or nylon strings and is commonly used in folk and popular…
Ronroco Guitar Description The Ronroco is a traditional string instrument from the Andean region, known for its deep, resonant sound. Played by strumming or plucking the strings, it is a key instrument in Andean folk music. It is similar to…
Steel String Guitar Description The steel string acoustic guitar is a versatile string instrument known for its bright, resonant sound. It features a hollow wooden body, 6 or 12 steel strings, and is played by strumming or plucking the strings.…
