Gu Zheng Chinese harp

[unknown-user]

I’m interested in a Gu Zheng Chinese harp (not a Konghou type). AFAIK

the tuning is in stacked pentatonics, but I’ve seen it played using

the strings either side of the moveable bridges. Does anyone know

what the tuning is on the left side (from the player’s position)?

I have an option on an instrument but have no information on quality

or price, so any pointers on those aspects, or possible faults to

look for, would be appreciated.

Icarusi

[unknown-user]

Dave, you’re right. The gu-zheng is tuned in stacked pentatonics (do,re,mi,so and la) and normally in the key of D major. The melody is played on the right side. The left side of the bridge is used when “fa” and “ti” are required (and the corresponding sharps and flats of course):)

[unknown-user]

http://www.guzheng.com

there are various model of guzhengs for sale.

[unknown-user]

Thanks for the info. My GuZheng seems to be similar to the ‘Popular’ ‘dragon pattern’. There was a small leaflet with the name Dunhuang, T-6, QB1155-91. It was circa 375 USD inc. hard case (sale 1/2 price). It’s 21 nylon tape coated steel string model. AFAIK the importer deals in western instruments made in China, but any fills any remaining container space with ethnic instruments.

http://uk.geocities.com/icarrusi/axe/axe.htm

“The left side of the bridge is used when “fa” and “ti” are required (and the corresponding sharps and flats of course):)”

Pat which strings are tuned on the left side with respect to those on right side? I saw some photos of tunings with all the bridge pieces grouped closer to the right side. Are those diatonic tunings?

[unknown-user]

Dave, the left side of the Guzheng is not tune to any keys or

notes. It is mainly use for ornamentation or get the fa and ti note,

or special effect. There is another type of guzheng called the

butterfly-zheng, which the instrument

[unknown-user]

I was experimenting and came to the conclusion there were limitations to tunings of the left side.

That’s probably the type I’d seen being played in that fashion, but didn’t get the detail of the 2 bridge sets at the time. I was already considering a second set of bridges as a workaround. To your knowledge, can a conventional guzheng be converted in that way?

I think I’ve seen that one, but it looks realtively hi-tech (and probably expensive).

Very much so! Incidentally I took my guzheng to a local occasional meeting of guitarists (my main instrument), and one of the guy’s girlfriends quite took to playing it, while all the guys just looked a bit scared at it.

[unknown-user]

Hi Dave:

No, I dont think you can change a conventional guzheng to the

butterfly style. The tension of the string will change, I am not sure

how are you going to change it.

Hmm, also you need to use 3 picks to tape to your thumb,

second and third finger on your right hand to play the guzheng,

you know that already, right?

[unknown-user]

<No, I dont think you can change a conventional guzheng to the

butterfly style. The tension of the string will change, I am not sure

how are you going to change it.>

I haven’t managed to find a pic of the butterfly guzheng, but a text reference mentioned 49 strings, so not so similar. I’ll still try some dwarf versions of the normal bridge pieces on the left side and see what notes I can conveniently tune to, without changing the tension too much from the current tuning.

<Hmm, also you need to use 3 picks to tape to your thumb,

second and third finger on your right hand to play the guzheng,

you know that already, right?>

ATM I’m using fingernails and a Jerry Donahue pattern thumbpick (for tremelos) on the RH because it’s similar to what I use on guitar. Is palm muting on the bridge part of the conventional GuZheng technique?

Icarusi

[unknown-user]

What does it mean by palm muting? Your idea of using dwarf

bridge sounds interesting, maybe you can try the system of a

lever harp and use mini-hooks to raise the string a semi-tone.

[unknown-user]

I recently bought a chinese harp, Gu Zheng, and am taking lessons right now. The one I bought is for competition level.

[unknown-user]

well ya c…it’z easy..i hav been taking classes for 2 years..and i bought my gu zheng for…200 dollars…it’z tuning yes…and it’z not hard…i luv it…i fly to Guangzhou China every week…just for classes

[unknown-user]

The moveable bridges are used to chande the not of the string, when stung, on the right.

[unknown-user]

Hi all,

I am looking for good Guzheng teacher in Bay Area of California. Is there anyone who knows about it? Thanks in advance.

Jeanie

[unknown-user]

Does anyone teach the Gu Zheng in the midwest (Indiana)area; or any chinese musical instrument?

[unknown-user]

I saw an interesting website …. http://www.guzheng.idv.hk . They say they will be doing long distance video guzheng lessons over the internet. They also have some interesting information, videos, MP3 and photos.

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