Guzheng

The guzheng is a traditional Chinese plucked zither instrument. It has a long, hollow wooden body with a removable cover and a series of strings stretched over movable bridges. Modern guzheng normally has 21 strings, though instruments with 18 to 25 strings exist.

The instrument traces its lineage to ancient zheng families, related to the guqin and earlier zithers. The contemporary form developed during the Song Dynasty and stabilized in later periods. In the 20th century, standardization and improvements—such as standardized 21 strings, improved tuners and removable bridges—helped spread its use beyond regional ensembles.

The soundboard is usually made of paulownia wood, and the body is long and flat with movable bridges that can be adjusted to change pitch and scale. Strings were originally silk; today they are steel-wrapped nylon or steel. The strings are plucked with the right hand using finger picks, while the left hand stops and bends notes by pressing the strings near the bridges.

Right-hand technique includes plucking, tremolo, and percussive effects; left-hand technique includes pitch bending, vibrato, and glissando by pressing strings before and after the bridges, as well as harmonics and stopped notes.

The guzheng is played solo and in ensembles, ranging from traditional Jiangnan sizhu and Chinese orchestras to modern compositions and cross-genre collaborations. Its repertoire includes ancient court pieces, folk tunes, and contemporary works.

The instrument is culturally significant in China and appears in regional and national ensembles; it has gained international attention through recordings, pedagogy, and collaborations across Western and Asian musical contexts.