Traditionally, Chinese string music was exclusive to the palace and the rich. Famously at the core of Confucian aesthetics, Chinese music has distinctive markers differentiating it from Western music. These include its pentatonic scale, smooth continuation and tempo ending in a grand finale. 

Do you know what the Chinese variations of the classic Western stringed instruments are? Here is a guide to the three most renowned Chinese variations of the string instruments: the Chinese Harp, Violin and Lute.

The Chinese Harp: Guqin (古琴)

The most prestigious instrument in China, the Guqin, represents China’s solo musical instrument tradition. It was believed to have cosmological significance, enrich learning and evoke gods and demons.

Guqin vs Harp

1. Structure

• The Guqin was originally a five-stringed instrument and custom made with seven strings in the Han Dynasty. 

• The harp has forty-seven strings of different lengths and seven pedals to change pitch. 

2. Playing style 

• The Guqin is usually played on a piano table. When there is no table, the instrumentalist sits cross-legged. There are three playing techniques; San (open string), a stopped string, and Fan (harmonics). 

• The harp is played by using both hands together with the instrumentalist sitting upright. 

See instrumentalist Jiaoyue Lyu performing the Guqin here:

The Chinese Violin: Erhu (二胡)

The erhu is known as the leader of the huqins, in the Chinese orchestra. It has a history of over 4,000 years and has an abundantly versatile playing range.

Erhu vs Violin

1. Structure

• The erhu has two strings with the bow fixed in between. It is played with no fingerboard. 

• The violin has four strings with the bow drawn on the strings. It is played with a fingerboard.

2. Playing style

• The erhu is played vertically. The instrumentalist often sits cross-legged with the erhu resting in their lap. 

• The violin is played with the instrumentalist holding the instrument between their jaw and collarbone.

See instrumentalist Xiaochun Qi performing the Erhu here:

The Chinese Lute: Pipa (琵琶)

The pipa has a long and rich history, which is unsurprising after it was integrated into three distinctly different cultures. It has several evolving models due to changing popular use. 

Pipa vs Lute 

1. Structure

• The pipa has four strings, one made of steel wire and the rest made of steel-roped nylon

• The lute started with sixteen pairs of strings and acquired as many as fourteen by early 17th century

2. Playing style 

• When playing the pipa, the fingers of one hand press onto the strings. Fake nails made of celluloid or tortoise shell on the other hand pluck the strings.

• The lute is played with the fingers of one hand pressing onto the strings. The fingers on the other hand pluck or strum the strings.

See instrumentalist Jiaju Shen performing the Pipa here: 

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Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z3r2mp3/revision/2