kayagum

The kayagum is a traditional Korean string instrument. It is a plucked zither belonging to the gayageum family of instruments. The kayagum typically has twenty-one strings, though some variations exist with fewer or more strings. The strings are made of silk or synthetic materials and are stretched over a curved wooden soundboard. The instrument is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum.

The kayagum is believed to have originated in the Gaya confederacy, a collection of ancient Korean states, during the 6th century. It is one of the most widely used traditional Korean musical instruments and is popular for both solo performances and ensemble music. The sound of the kayagum is often described as delicate, resonant, and evocative. It is used in various genres of Korean music, including court music (aak), folk music (minsogak), and contemporary compositions.

The playing technique involves intricate finger movements to produce a wide range of timbres and dynamics. The pitch of each string can be slightly altered by pressing or bending the string behind the movable bridge, known as a anjok. The kayagum is a versatile instrument capable of expressing a wide spectrum of emotions, making it a significant part of Korean musical heritage.