To help pay for the upkeep of this website World of Musicality contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for more information.
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. The qinqin is a key instrument in Chinese folk, classical, and contemporary music, admired for its bright tone and versatile playing techniques.
Detailed Instrument Description
| Instrument Name | Qinqin |
| Instrument Family | String |
| Alternative Names | The qinqin is also known as the “Chinese banjo” or “three-stringed lute.” In Chinese, it is written as “秦琴” (qínqín). |
| Geographical Presence | The qinqin is primarily played in China, where it is a staple in both traditional and contemporary music. It is especially popular in southern Chinese provinces such as Guangdong and Guangxi. The qinqin has also gained recognition globally, with performances in Chinese orchestras and world music ensembles. |
| Instrument Classification | The qinqin falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.321, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. This system classifies musical instruments based on how they produce sound, with the qinqin classified as a chordophone where sound is produced by vibrating strings. |
| Unique Features | The qinqin is known for its distinctive body shape, which can be round or octagonal, and its three strings. It has a long neck with frets and is typically played with a plectrum or fingers. The instrument’s design allows for a wide range of techniques, including plucking, strumming, and fingerpicking, producing a bright, resonant sound. |
| Sound Characteristics | The qinqin produces a bright, clear, and resonant sound. Its tone is lively and cheerful, making it suitable for a wide range of musical expressions. The instrument is known for its ability to produce rapid, cascading notes and intricate finger techniques, adding to its expressive capabilities. |
| Typical Music Genres | The qinqin is used in traditional Chinese music, including classical, folk, and opera. It is also featured in contemporary music genres, such as Chinese pop and is a key instrument in Chinese orchestras and ensembles. |
| Components | Body, Neck, Fingerboard, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Plectrum |
| Construction | The qinqin typically has a wooden body made from materials such as rosewood or mahogany. The strings are traditionally made of silk, but modern qinqins often use metal or nylon strings. The fingerboard has raised frets, and the tuning pegs are used to adjust the pitch of each string. A plectrum made of plastic or tortoiseshell is often used to pluck the strings. |
| Size and Weight | The qinqin generally measures around 80 to 100 centimeters (31 to 39 inches) in length. The weight can vary between 1 to 2 kilograms (2.2 to 4.4 pounds), depending on the materials used. |
| Variations and Customizations | Variations of the qinqin include different body shapes (round or octagonal) and materials, which can affect the instrument’s sound and playability. Customizations might include decorative inlays, carved designs, and different types of wood. Some modern qinqins may also feature built-in pickups for amplification. |
| Instrument History | The qinqin has ancient origins, with a history dating back over 1,000 years. It evolved from earlier plucked instruments and became prominent during the Qing Dynasty. The qinqin has been a central instrument in Chinese music for centuries, continuously evolving in design and playing techniques. |
| Similar Types of Instrument | Sanxian, Yueqin, Banjo |
| Playing Technique | The qinqin is played by holding it upright and plucking the strings with a plectrum or fingers. Techniques include plucking, strumming, and fingerpicking, as well as the use of various finger techniques to produce different tones and expressions. The left hand presses the strings on the fingerboard to create different pitches and effects. |
| Notable Composers | Liu Tianhua, Wong On-yuen, He Zhanhao |
| Famous Works | Liu Tianhua’s “The Moon Over a Fountain,” Wong On-yuen’s “The Great Wall Capriccio,” He Zhanhao’s “Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto” |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance includes cleaning the instrument, tuning the strings, and checking the condition of the fingerboard and tuning pegs. The qinqin should be stored in a case to protect it from dust and environmental changes. Periodic checks of the wood and string condition are recommended to maintain optimal sound quality. |
| Learning Difficulty | High; requires significant coordination to manage different plucking and pressing techniques simultaneously. Learning proper hand positioning, finger techniques, and expressive methods are essential for effective playing. |
| Prominent Players | Luo Jiuxiang, Cheng Yuejiu, Zhu Changyao |
| Notable Performances | Notable performances include concerts by prominent qinqin players at major venues and festivals worldwide, such as the Shanghai International Arts Festival and various Chinese New Year celebrations. |
| Famous Orchestras/Bands | Prominent ensembles featuring the qinqin include the China National Traditional Orchestra, the Guangdong Chinese Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. |
| Price Range | Qinqins range from $200 to $2,000 or more, depending on the craftsmanship, materials, and features. |
