Warring States period (5th–3rd century BCE)
traditional music
National Heritage
East China
active
The guzheng is a Chinese plucked zither with 21 strings that has been played for over 2,500 years. Originally a five-string instrument from the Warring States period, it evolved into a versatile instrument capable of both delicate melodies and powerful percussive passages. Modern guzheng music spans traditional folk tunes, classical compositions, and contemporary works. It is one of the most popular traditional instruments in China today.
Stories & Legends
The Sound of Silk: Guzheng Across Millennia
historicalWhen the guzheng player's fingers sweep across 21 strings, Chinese memory speaks.
Skills & Techniques
Guzheng Playing expand_more
The technique of playing the 21-string Chinese zither using finger picks for plucking, pressing, and glissando effects.
Steps
- Tune the 21 strings using tuning pegs
- Wear ivory or plastic finger picks on right-hand thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Practice basic plucking techniques: tuō (outward), mǒ (inward), and gōu (hook)
- Learn left-hand pressing techniques on strings to create pitch bends and vibrato
- Master glissando (playing multiple strings in sequence) and chord plucking
- Combine techniques to perform traditional and contemporary repertoire
Tools
guzheng instrument, tuning key, finger picks (ivory or plastic), tuning fork
Materials
guzheng strings (silk or steel-nylon)
Related Places
Relationship Constellation
This heritage item connects to 8 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.
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