Geomungo Musical Instrument Facts

Geomungo Instrument Summary

The Geomungo is a traditional Korean string instrument known for its deep, resonant sound.

It features a long, rectangular body with six silk or nylon strings that are plucked with a bamboo stick called a “suldae.”

The geomungo has a lower, more bass-like tone compared to other Korean string instruments and is often used to provide rhythmic and harmonic support in both court and folk music.

Detailed Instrument Description

Instrument Name	Geomungo
Instrument Family	String
Alternative Names	The geomungo is sometimes spelled “komungo” in Romanized Korean. It is also referred to as the “black zither” due to its dark tone and coloring.
Geographical Presence	The geomungo is primarily played in Korea, where it is a key instrument in traditional Korean music. It is also studied and performed by musicians worldwide who are interested in East Asian music traditions.
Instrument Classification	The geomungo falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 312.22, identifying it as a box zither chordophone. This classification includes string instruments with strings stretched across a wooden body that are played by plucking or striking.
Unique Features	The geomungo features a long, flat wooden body, typically made from paulownia or chestnut wood. It has six strings, with three strings used for plucking and three strings used for resonance. The strings are stretched over movable bridges called “anjok” and are plucked using a slender bamboo stick called a “suldae.” The instrument’s design allows for the production of deep, resonant bass tones. The geomungo has a more percussive and rhythmic playing style compared to the gayageum, and its dark, low-pitched sound provides harmonic support in ensembles.
Sound Characteristics	The geomungo produces a deep, rich, and resonant sound. Its tone is characterized by a low, bass-like timbre, which contrasts with the brighter sound of the gayageum. The geomungo is capable of both soft, subtle plucking and strong, rhythmic strumming, making it versatile in creating different musical textures. Its ability to sustain long, resonant notes gives it a unique presence in traditional Korean music.
Typical Music Genres	The geomungo is widely used in traditional Korean music genres, including court music (jeongak), folk music, and sanjo. It is also featured in contemporary Korean fusion music, blending traditional and modern elements. The instrument is particularly suited to slow, meditative pieces, but it can also be used in more rhythmic and fast-paced music.
Components	Body, Strings, Anjok (Bridges), Tuning Pegs, Suldae (Bamboo Stick)
Construction	The geomungo is constructed with a long, rectangular wooden body, traditionally made from lightweight woods like paulownia or chestnut. The body has a hollowed-out sound chamber to enhance resonance. It has six strings, with three main strings plucked and three used for resonance. The strings are supported by movable bridges, which can be adjusted for tuning and tonal changes. The strings are traditionally made from silk but are now often made from nylon or other synthetic materials. The geomungo is played with a slender bamboo stick called a suldae, which is used to strike and pluck the strings.
Size and Weight	The geomungo typically measures about 150 centimeters (59 inches) in length and 30 centimeters (12 inches) in width. It weighs approximately 3 to 5 kilograms (6.6 to 11 pounds), depending on the materials used and the number of strings.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the geomungo include different sizes and designs for specific music genres. Some modern versions may have additional strings to extend the instrument’s range or nylon strings for increased durability. Customizations may include decorative elements on the body, such as inlays, lacquer finishes, and engravings. The design of the bridges (anjok) can also be customized to allow for more precise tuning and tonal control. Additionally, modern versions may incorporate electronic pickups for amplification in contemporary music performances.
Instrument History	The geomungo dates back to the 4th century during the Goguryeo Kingdom. It was developed as an aristocratic instrument and quickly became central to Korean court music. Over the centuries, the geomungo was adapted for different musical styles, including folk music and solo instrumental genres like sanjo. It has been closely associated with Confucianism and traditional Korean philosophy, symbolizing refinement and intellectual pursuit. In modern times, the geomungo has been featured in both traditional performances and contemporary fusion music, helping to preserve and evolve Korean musical heritage.
Similar Types of Instrument	Gayageum (Korean Zither), Guzheng (Chinese Zither), Koto (Japanese Zither)
Playing Technique	The geomungo is played while seated on the floor with the instrument placed horizontally in front of the player. The player uses a bamboo stick (suldae) in their right hand to pluck or strike the strings, while the left hand presses the strings down to create vibrato, pitch bends, and slides. The instrument’s deep tones require controlled plucking or striking, allowing for both rhythmic and melodic playing. Players must master the coordination between the suldae and left-hand finger movements to produce a wide range of sounds and expressive effects. The instruments lower strings are often used to create drone-like harmonic support, while the higher strings are used for melodic lines.
Learning Difficulty	High; learning to play the geomungo requires mastering the use of the suldae to strike and pluck the strings with precision. The player must also develop control over left-hand techniques to create vibrato, slides, and pitch bends. Additionally, understanding traditional Korean music theory and repertoire is essential for mastering the instrument. The geomungo’s unique playing technique, combined with its complex musical role, makes it a challenging instrument to learn.
Notable Musicians or Composers	The geomungo has been performed by notable musicians such as Hwang Byung-ki and Kim Young-jae, who have helped popularize the instrument in both traditional and contemporary contexts. In modern times, composers like Hwang Byung-ki have written innovative works for the geomungo, blending traditional Korean music with modern techniques. The National Gugak Center Orchestra frequently features the geomungo in performances of court music, while contemporary bands such as Jambinai have integrated the geomungo into fusion music.
Famous Works	Traditional pieces such as “Geomungo Sanjo” are well-known in the geomungo repertoire. In modern compositions, Hwang Byung-ki’s “Chimhyangmu” is celebrated for its innovative use of the geomungo in contemporary music.
Notable Performances	The geomungo is frequently performed in traditional Korean music festivals, cultural events, and concerts. Notable performances include recitals at the National Gugak Center, where the geomungo is featured in traditional court music performances.
Maintenance	Proper maintenance of the geomungo includes regularly cleaning the strings and body to remove dust and oil buildup. The strings, particularly if they are made from silk, need to be replaced periodically to maintain optimal sound quality. The bridges (anjok) should be checked and adjusted to ensure proper tuning and string tension. The instrument should be stored in a protective case and kept in a dry environment to prevent the wood from warping or cracking.
Price Range	Geomungos range in price from $1,000 to over $10,000, depending on the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and the number of strings.