Erhu

The erhu is a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument. It is often called a "Chinese violin" or "Chinese fiddle." The erhu is a member of the spike fiddle family. It has a nearly vertical, long, thin neck with two strings running from tuning pegs at the top to a fretless fingerboard. The bow hair is strung between these two strings. The body of the instrument is typically a hexagonal or octagonal wooden resonator, often covered with snakeskin on the front.

The erhu produces a sound that is often described as melancholic, expressive, and similar to the human voice. Its range is wide, and it is capable of producing a variety of timbres and articulations. Historically, the erhu was used in folk music and opera. In modern times, it has gained prominence as a solo instrument and is also used in orchestras and chamber ensembles. Its versatility allows it to perform both traditional Chinese music and contemporary compositions. Many famous musicians play the erhu, and it remains a vital part of Chinese musical heritage.