What is the difference between guzheng and guqin?

Both the qin and the zither have a very long history. In order to distinguish them from other musical instruments, the word "古" is added in front of them, and they are called "guqin" and "guzheng". In addition to being instrumental music, Qin and Zheng also carry rich Chinese culture.

1. Understand the appearance of guqin and guzheng

2. Comparison of the appearance and size of guqin and guzheng

The guqin has 7 strings, so it is also called the lyre (the thickest one) is the 1st string, and the thinnest is the 7th string). The guzheng has 21 strings (the thickest is string 21 and the thinnest is string 1).

3. Names of various parts of Guqin and Guzheng

Many of the names of various parts of Guqin and Guzheng are imitations of objects. In particular, Guqin has always maintained its ancient name, which is both image and elegant. Some names for guzheng are more musical.

Another big difference between Guqin and Guzheng is that Guqin does not have a string code, while Guzheng does have a string code (or called Zheng code, code, or wild goose pillar). The piano code plays the role of conducting sound. The piano code affects the different playing methods of the two.

4. Comparison of the sounds of Guqin and Guzheng

After knowing the appearance, let’s listen to the sound again. I choose two songs each.

There is no relationship between the two pieces of music "High Mountains and Flowing Water" by Qin and Zheng, they just have the same name. According to legend, the guqin song "High Mountains and Flowing Waters" dates back to very early times. It was originally one piece, but after the Tang Dynasty it was divided into two pieces: "High Mountains" and "Flowing Waters". The Zhejiang school's guzheng music "High Mountains and Flowing Waters" was adapted from flute music in modern times.

Sequence of tracks:

1. Guqin music - "Flowing Water" by Guan Pinghu; search it on Baidu Music, but it is not easy to upload.

2. Guzheng music - Wang Changyuan's "Mountains and Flowing Waters" can be found on Baidu Music Search, but it's not easy to upload.

5. Comparison of guqin and guzheng performance videos

Guqin performance video: Gong Yi's "Xiaoxiang Water Clouds", go to Baidu Video Search, it is not easy to upload.

Video of guzheng performance: Zhou Yanjia's "Autumn Night Zheng", go to Baidu Video Search, it's not easy to upload.

Guqin and Guzheng can be learned by both men and women of all ages. People often ask me if I can learn Guqin or Guzheng if I am xx years old, a boy or a girl, etc. Mr. Metasequoia thinks the key is to like it (like it) appearance, sound, playing style, etc.), otherwise it will be difficult to stick to it.

6. Comparison between placement and playing

6.1 Placement and playing of Guqin

Guqin placement: Guqin requires a professional piano table (the height of the table is about 68cm, the height of the stool is about 45cm). When placing the piano, place the piano on the outside of the table (to facilitate tuning the strings with the piano). It is wrong to place the entire piano on the table (this mistake often occurs in film and television works) ). Anti-slip pads should be placed on the head and feet of the piano (to prevent the piano from sliding during playing).

Guqin sitting position: The central axis of the body faces the Four Emblems or Five Emblems (the side near the head of the piano), the body is about two fists away from the guqin, and the legs are at the same level as the shoulders (women can keep their legs together). It is advisable to sit on half a stool.

Guqin playing: Neither the left or right hand of the guqin needs to wear armor. The left hand presses the strings and the right hand plays.

6.2 Placement and Playing of Guzheng

Placement of Guzheng: Guzheng generally uses a stand (one with a height of about 56cm is placed at the head of the instrument, and one with a height of about 53.5cm is placed in front of the string hole) )

Guzheng sitting position: Align your right shoulder with the front beam of the guzheng. The height of the seat and the height of the guzheng should be in an appropriate proportion. The height of the first bridge should be parallel to your waist. The body is one or two punches away from Qin.

Guzheng playing: You need to wear guzheng to play the guzheng. Generally, you press the strings with your left hand and play with your right hand.

7. Comparison of Guqin and Guzheng tunings

8. Comparison of Guqin and Guzheng music scores

9. Prices of Guqin and Guzheng

Beginners When buying a piano or zither, you should choose a mid-range piano. A piano that is too cheap will not sound good and will not last long, while a piano that is too expensive is not very necessary for beginners. The purchase of this type of piano Most of the players are professional performers. Of course, you can also decide based on your own regular situation. The more expensive the price, the better all aspects of the instrument will be.

The price of guqin varies widely, so try to buy a guqin from a well-known qin player, such as Ni Shiyun's qin.

The price of guzheng ranges from one thousand to more than five thousand. When purchasing, try to choose a professional manufacturer.

It is best if you have professionals to help you choose when purchasing. If not, it is recommended to consider the quality of the sound when purchasing, rather than paying too much attention to the appearance.

10. Which one is easier to learn, Guqin or Guzheng? Which is easier?

Through the above introduction, we now know that the guqin and the zither are both traditional Chinese instrumental music, but the timbres between the two are very different. The guqin is quiet and simple, while the zither is graceful and clear, so there is a saying that "the guqin pleases the heart." , guzheng is sweet to the ear." Before choosing to learn, it is recommended to listen to more songs and watch more performance videos to see which tone you like. Only if you like it can you keep learning.

For ordinary amateurs, taking time to learn the piano or zither after work and study is a process of pursuing perfection and expressing oneself. It can not only cultivate sentiments and improve aesthetic taste, but also greatly help shape one's own good temperament and cultivation. This is undoubtedly a very pleasant thing.

Both are very easy to get started with. By simply reading music and getting started with fingering, you can master some basic skills and play some nice tunes. If you want to play better, you need to spend more time practicing. In addition to vertical technical breakthroughs, horizontal cultural cultivation is also needed. Figure out your learning goals and be targeted.

With the popularity of the Internet, it is easy to find relevant teaching videos online. But whether you are learning piano or zither, Metasequoia recommends that you try to learn from a teacher. Self-study is easy to take detours, and it will be difficult to correct it in the future.

Guqin and guzheng learning are actually not multiple-choice questions. There are differences and similarities between the two. Nowadays, many qin players can play both the guqin and the guzheng, as well as harp, erhu and other instrumental music. However, you should choose one instrumental music when you first learn. After you master some skills, you should consider learning another instrumental music.