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Guzheng Wikipedia

The guzheng (or simply, zheng) is a traditional China|Chinese musical instrument. It belongs to the zither family of instruments. The guzheng is not to be confused with the guqin.

The modern-day guzheng is a half-tube plucked 21-stringed zither with movable bridges, although some practitioners play anything from 15 to 25 strings. In ancient times it began with 12 strings until it gradually evolved into the form known today. Tuned pentatonically over 4 octaves, it is an ancient musical intrument which has been in existence since the Warring States, and became especially popular during the Qin dynasty.

It is the parent instrument to the Japanese koto, the Korean Kayagum and the Vietnamese Dan Tranh.

Last Modified:   2005-03-09