pipa

The pipa is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument characterized by a pear-shaped wooden body, a relatively short neck, and a fretted fingerboard. It has four strings and is typically played with a plectrum worn on the right hand. The instrument is one of the most recognizable symbols of Chinese music and has a history that stretches back more than a thousand years, with references in ancient texts and a development tradition that spans several dynasties.

Construction and design depend on the instrument’s long-standing craftsmanship. The body is carved from hardwood and finished with lacquer, while the thin soundboard helps project its bright, resonant timbre. The four strings are often made of metal-wound or nylon-core materials, a modern update from the traditional silk. Frets run along the neck to guide pitch, and the instrument is commonly decorated with inlays or paintings. The pipa is portable, capable of a wide range of expressive colors from delicate, lyrical lines to rapid, virtuosic passagework.

Playing technique and repertoire: The right hand uses a stiff plectrum to strike and pluck the strings, producing crisp attacks and varying timbres, sometimes augmented by nail or finger techniques. The left hand presses on the frets to change pitch, perform slides, vibrato, and complex ornamentation. The pipa is used in solo performance as well as ensembles, traditional silk-and-bamboo groups, Chinese opera accompaniment, and modern concert works. Its repertoire ranges from ancient folkloric pieces to contemporary compositions and cross-cultural collaborations.

Notable performers and influence: The pipa has a central role in traditional Chinese music and has gained international recognition through contemporary players such as Wu Man and Liu Fang. It remains a key instrument in both classic and modern Chinese musical life.