The guzheng is a Chinese plucked instrument of the zither family: over a long wooden body are stretched strings (today usually 21), each with its own movable bridge. The strings are plucked with the fingers of the right hand (often in special finger-picks), while the left hand, pressing the string beyond the bridge, creates expressive pitch “bends,” glissandos, and vibrato.
The history of the guzheng spans over two thousand years. Its transparent, ringing yet deeply lyrical sound can convey the subtlest shades of mood — from turbulent “waterfalls” of passages to contemplative calm. The guzheng is one of China's most beloved solo instruments, a symbol of the refinement of classical Chinese musical aesthetics. Today it also sounds actively in contemporary music, combining with jazz, electronica, and world traditions.
