Learning Mandarin with Traditional Chinese Instruments

The rich tapestry of Chinese culture is greatly reflected in its traditional Chinese instruments! If you are interested in Chinese culture, it actually is very important for you to gain some understanding of its musical history. Britannica writes “Chinese music history must be approached with a certain sense of awe. “

Reference: Chinese music | Characteristics, History

Music and rhythm started to play an essential role in China very early on. We must not forget that for Confucius music and rites must go together to achieve societal harmony. Did you know that the oldest tonal system concerned with specific pitches and their intervals originated in China? The first pipe produces a basic pitch called “yellow bell” (huangzhong). Dividing strings to get harmonic pitches was well-known in China. Cassical writings on music speak of a 12-tone system in relation to the blowing of bamboo pipes! The earliest surviving written records are from the Zhou next dynasty (1046–256 BCE). Within the Five Classics (Wujing), it is in the Liji (“Collection of Rituals”) of the 6th–5th century BCE that you can find an extensive discussion of music.

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Chinese musical organization was not at all limited to pitches. Another important ancient system called the “eight sounds” was used to classify many different instruments played in imperial orchestras. Chinese instruments each come with their own unique sound and historical significance. Today, we will take you to delve into the grand world of traditional Chinese musical instruments! -exploring their origins, construction, and the role they play for Chinese music.

Table of Contents

Stringed Chinese Instruments

gǔ zhēng 古箏 (Chinese Zither)

Gǔ 古 means “ancient” and Zhēng 筝 translates to “Zither”, literally meaning “Ancient Zither”. The Guzheng is a plucked string instrument with a history that dates back over 2,500 years. It is often compared to the sound of flowing water! It is played by being plucked with ones fingers with or without plectra (“finger picks”). Typically featuring 21 strings stretched over a long, flat body, the Guzheng produces a resonant, harp-like sound. Its importance in Chinese music cannot be overstated, often associated with the elegance and depth of classical Chinese compositions. Players use a variety of techniques to bend pitches and create vibrant, flowing melodies.

gǔ qín 古琴 (Seven-stringed Zither)

The guqin differs from other Asian zithers in that it does not have a bridge underneath the strings. So the guqin, a quieter cousin of the guzheng, is a seven-stringed zither without bridges. Revered as a symbol of Chinese scholarly culture, it is known for its gentle, introspective sound. It has traditionally been associated with the literati and philosophers, often played to express personal meditation or to accompany poetic recitations.

pí pa 琵琶 (Chinese Lute)

The pipa is a pear-shaped, lute-like instrument with a history of over 2,000 years in China. Played by plucking its four to five strings, it is renowned for its expressive capabilities and the complexity of its techniques. The “han pipa” first gained general acknowledgement under the artistically sophisticated Tang dynasty. At that time, the original plectrum was gradually replaced by finger-plucking. The pipa is played in two different techniques, the Chinese names together result in the name of the instrument: in the “pí” (琵), the index finger of the right hand is pushed over the strings from right to left, in the “pá” (琶) the thumb is pushed in the opposite direction. The pipa produces a wide range of sounds and is often used to convey stories and dramatic narratives in music, making it a dynamic performer in Chinese opera.

Wind Chinese Instruments

dí zi 笛子 (Chinese Bamboo Flute)

The dizi is a major Chinese musical instrument, and is widely used in many genres of Chinese folk music, as well as Chinese opera, and the modern Chinese orchestra. Most dizi are constructed of bamboo, which is the reason for why dizi are also known by simple names such as “Chinese bamboo flute”. Known for its bright, clear sound, the dizi is unique due to a membrane hole covered with a thin membrane of reed, adding a buzzing, resonant quality to the tone. This instrument is popular especially in larger orchestral compositions.

xiāo 箫 (Vertical Bamboo Flute)

The xiao is a vertical bamboo flute with a gentle, serene sound, ideal for solo performances that require an introspective quality. It is an end-blown flute, and a very ancient instrument. The name in ancient times also included the side-blown bamboo flute, the dizi! Typically, it is used in court music and in various forms of meditation music, valued for its deep, rich tone.

hú lu sī 葫芦丝 (Cucurbit Flute)

The hulusi is an enchanting wind instrument with a gourd mouthpiece and bamboo pipes. It is prominently argued to be the simplest instrument to play, though mastering it demands much breathe control and practise. The Hulusi creates a soft, melodious sound that is often associated with the traditions of ethnic minorities of southwestern China. The Hulusi’s unique timbre is soothing and has been used in both folk music and more recently in global fusion genres.

suǒ nà 唢呐 (Chinese Oboe)

The Suona, often heard in traditional Chinese weddings and funerals, is also a wind instrument. The Suona is essentially a horn, which is played by blowing into a double-reed. It is known for its loud and penetrating sound. It features a conical wooden body with a metal bell, distinguishing it from other woodwinds by its vibrant and assertive tones. It is customarily played alongside gongs, drums.

Percussion Chinese Instruments

táng gǔ 堂鼓 (Chinese Drum)

The Tanggu (Drum) is known as “Tonggu”. It was named “Zhanggu” during the Qing Dynasty. In general, its skin is made of buffalo’s hide. The pitch and tone of the sound produced are not definite and are dependent on the strength with which the drum is being hit. The Tanggu encompasses a variety of percussion instruments, integral to both traditional and contemporary Chinese music. From the small, handheld drums to the large, ceremonial ones used in temples and during festivities, these drums are central to rhythm and dynamic shifts in many performances.

biān zhōng 编钟 (Chime Bells)

the Bianzhong (also called “Chime bells”). Chime bells were an important percussion instrument in ancient China. They are divided into groups in which there are dozens of big and small bells, each resulting in a different tone, rendering it melodical. Chime Bells have been used in China for nearly 3,000 years! – originally in court music. Each bell produces two tones when struck at different spots, which gives the bianzhong a complex and rich sound.

Bowed String Chinese Instrument

èr hú 二胡 (Chinese Two-Stringed Fiddle)

The erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument, often called the “Chinese violin”. Despite having only two strings, it can convey a wide range of emotions, from deep sorrow to jubilant elation. Its soundbox is traditionally covered with python skin, contributing to its resonant sound! The erhu is a staple in both traditional and contemporary Chinese music, capable of solo performances as well as ensembles.

There you are! The above ten Chinese instruments represent the essence of Chinese musical heritage, offering a window into the past and a key to understanding the cultural depths of China. Each instrument brings its own voice to the symphony of sounds that make Chinese music uniquely compelling and historically rich. Next time you listen to Chinese classical music, you could pay attention whether you are able to discern some of the sounds made by these instruments!

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