The guzheng instrument
The guzheng is a classic Chinese instrument that is classified as a zither. The instrument has anywhere between 15 to 25 strings and has been a prominent piece of music in eastern culture for centuries. The guzheng instrument is a half-tube zither with movable bridges to hold the strings. It has a large resonant cavity made of wood that is parallel to the strings. Eastern instrument classification is based on what materials the instrument was made out of, placing the guzheng in the silk category, as its strings were originally made out of silk.
The guzheng is played with two hands, the right hand plucking and strumming the strings while the left-hand presses and slides the strings for different notes. The sound has been likened to a piano or a harp, though it does have distinct differences from each.
The Guzheng, which some also think of as a Chinese Harp, though its design differentiates itself from such. Its soundboard is parallel to the strings, rather than perpendicular like a harp. This makes it a zither and gives it its unique sound. The instrument can be played by anyone that wishes to learn, and its styles have evolved through its growth in popularity and use in classic folk music.
What does guzheng music sound like?
The guzheng’s strings have a pentatonic scale of Do, Re, Mi, So, and La. The strings can be played to produce Fa and Ti, and playing styles have evolved to create more sounds and work with the pentatonic scale. There are many different techniques guzheng players use, and they vary on each player and genre of music.
On a broad scale, the guzheng playing styles can be categorized as either northern or southern, and there are many still adhering to the classical styles of the guzheng. The guzheng has specifically been used in many genres including rock, jazz, and electroacoustic songs. It is also used in free improvisation music.
Guzheng playing styles have evolved to mimic the sounds and feelings of a waterfall, a thunderstorm, or the countryside. In 1965, Wang Changyuan composed a standard-breaking piece that mimicked the sounds of a typhoon, creating new ways to play the instrument. Guzheng music began as traditional folk music, and its versatility has carried it through eras of musical changes and the creativity of guzheng players will continue to use the guzheng as a cornerstone in Chinese music.
What is the history of the guzheng?
The origins of the guzheng have yet to be fully discovered. The earliest record of the guzheng is between 457-221 BC, in the Warring States Period. It is undecided if the instrument was based on a zither made out of a single board, or out of bamboo. It could have also been made independently, but it is difficult to conclude. The guzheng did not become popular until a few years after its first recording.
The guzheng became the most prominent instrument in Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Vietnam. During this time, the instrument was commonly played with 16 strings placed on movable bridges. The board was broadly made out of wood, and used for folk music. Its prominence never fully dwindled, but the instrument underwent a redesign in the 1950s to enhance and expand its sound. Professor Wang Xunzhi led the redesign, giving the instrument 21 strings made of steel-coated nylon.
This redesign is widely used today and is part of the reason the guzheng is further likened to a piano. The redesign allows the guzheng to have a louder sound with higher quality. This redesign is also what sparked more playing styles, as Wang Xunzhi’s daughter, Wang Changyuan, is the composer of the piece that was likened to a typhoon.
Guzheng popularity today
The ever-evolving compositions and styles of playing the guzheng have made the instrument’s relevance continue in modern-day music. The guzheng has a rich history in folk music and cultural influence that many are adhering to and building off of. There is a combination of classical compositions and modern styles used as its popularity continues.
Pop culture is part of the reason the guzheng remains relevant. Many T.V shows, video games, films, and other forms of media are using traditional music with the guzheng. This continues the popularity of the guzheng and sparks an interest in those exposed to such pieces of media. The love of traditional music continues as many want to learn the guzheng to play specific songs.
Many also wish to learn the guzheng to play popular modern-day music of different genres. It is not uncommon to hear covers of popular songs played on a guzheng. There has also been a growing number of resources available to learn guzheng, which keeps its cultural relevance and influence alive.
How to learn guzheng: Guzheng lessons
The continued popularity of the guzheng has created many resources for learning the instrument. This includes online lessons, and many instructors open for in-person Guzheng lessons. Learning the guzheng is widely seen as intermediately difficult. It is similar to learning the piano, where the difficulty lies in knowing where each note is and memorizing hand placements.
The growing resources for learning guzheng have diminished the difficulty as well. It is recommended to have in-person lessons with a guzheng tutor, as it is easier to retain information and learn techniques. This tutor does not have to be an expert either, it is most important to learn the basics of the instrument. Countless online resources can help with learning the instrument, like online courses and videos.
There are also forums and social media pages dedicated to learning the guzheng that provide a community and camaraderie in learning together. The guzheng instrument has a rich history in Chinese society and music, and its continued interest will help the instrument continue to evolve and remain relevant.
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