The Most Popular Instrument in China, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the instrument you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:40
Understanding the most beloved musical instruments within a culture as rich and diverse as China's can help bridge gaps between traditions and modern music appreciation. By creating a list based on popular votes, we gain insights into what resonates with the populace, reflecting both historical significance and contemporary trends. This method ensures that every voice has the opportunity to express their preferences, shaping a collective musical narrative.
Through participation, users not only contribute to the ranking but also engage with a broader community of music enthusiasts. Voting on such a list encourages exploration of different musical styles and instruments, some of which people may not be familiar with. It's a dynamic way to connect individuals with the cultural heartbeat of a nation, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for its musical heritage.
What Is the Most Popular Instrument in China?
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174votesThe erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument and is one of the most popular instruments in China. It is often used in traditional and modern Chinese music.The Erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument that originated in China. It is considered one of the most beautiful instruments due to its soulful and haunting sound. With a long history dating back to ancient times, the Erhu has been an integral part of traditional Chinese music and is still widely played today.
- Strings: Two
- Materials: Typically made with a thin wooden soundboard and a resonator made of snake skin
- Bowed: Played with a bow made of horsehair
- Range: Approximately three octaves
- Tuning: Traditionally tuned to the pentatonic scale
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224votesThe pipa is a four-stringed plucked instrument and is also very popular in China. It is often used in traditional and modern music.The Pipa is a traditional Chinese musical instrument that has been widely popular for centuries. It belongs to the plucked-string family of instruments and has a long neck and pear-shaped wooden body. The Pipa is played by plucking the strings with a pick made of ivory, tortoiseshell, or plastic, and it produces a rich and melodic sound.
- Type: Stringed instrument
- Neck: Long and fretted
- Body: Pear-shaped wooden body
- Strings: Four strings
- Tuning: A-D-E-A (in Western notation)
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322votesThe guzheng is a plucked instrument with 21 or more strings and is another popular instrument in China. It is often used in traditional music.The Guzheng is a traditional Chinese plucked zither instrument. It is one of the most popular and iconic instruments in China, with a history that can be traced back over 2,500 years. The word 'Guzheng' translates to 'ancient zither' in English, reflecting its deep cultural roots and significance. The instrument is known for its elegant appearance and melodious sound, making it a beloved instrument in Chinese traditional music.
- Strings: The Guzheng typically has 21 or more strings, which are made of nylon or metal wire.
- Size: The standard Guzheng is about 64 to 78 inches (163 to 198 cm) in length, with the width ranging between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm).
- Materials: The body of the Guzheng is traditionally made of paulownia wood, while the soundboard is made of Chinese fir or paulownia.
- Bridges: The instrument features movable bridges, usually made of bamboo, that allow for tuning and intonation adjustments.
- Playing Technique: The player plucks the strings with their right hand using picks called 'guqin,' while the left hand presses the strings to change pitch and produce vibrato.
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414votesThe dizi is a bamboo flute and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional and modern music.
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510votesThe sheng is a Chinese mouth-blown free reed instrument and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional music.The Sheng is a traditional Chinese musical instrument that belongs to the family of free-reed mouth organs. It consists of a vertical set of pipes, each with a free reed, and a wind chamber. The player blows air into the wind chamber by using their mouth and controls the sound by pressing various keys or buttons to open and close the pipes, which produce different pitches. The Sheng is known for its rich and expressive sound that can imitate the human voice.
- Materials: Bamboo, metal, or plastic
- Number of pipes: Usually 17 or 21 pipes
- Pitch range: Variable, depending on the number of pipes
- Size: Ranges from small handheld to large and ornate
- Playing technique: Blowing into the wind chamber and manipulating the keys or buttons
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69votesThe yangqin is a Chinese hammered dulcimer and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional and modern music.The yangqin is a traditional Chinese musical instrument that belongs to the category of hammered dulcimers. It consists of a set of steel strings stretched across a rectangular wooden soundboard.
- Strings: Usually has around 144 strings made of steel or steel-core with copper-wrapped strings.
- Size: Typically around 120-150 cm in length, 45-50 cm in width, and 4-6 cm in height.
- Shape: Rectangular-shaped instrument with curved sides.
- Playing technique: Played by striking the strings with bamboo sticks or hammers adorned with rubber or leather tips.
- Sound: Produces a bright and mellow sound with varying tonal qualities.
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710votesThe guqin is a plucked seven-stringed instrument and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional music.The Guqin is a traditional Chinese plucked seven-string musical instrument. It is said to be one of the oldest stringed instruments in China, with a history of over 3,000 years. Known for its rich cultural significance and delicate sound, the Guqin is considered one of the most refined and elegant instruments in Chinese music.
- Number of strings: 7
- Traditional tuning: open G major scale
- Material: typically made from one piece of hardwood, such as Chinese catalpa or Huanghuali
- Shape: long and narrow, with an arched surface
- Length: approximately 3 to 4 feet
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84votesThe xiaogu is a Chinese drum and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional music.The Xiaogu is a traditional Chinese percussion instrument that belongs to the gong family. It is commonly used in various forms of Chinese music, including opera and folk music. The Xiaogu is a small, round-shaped gong with a distinct sound that is bright and resonant.
- Size: The Xiaogu typically ranges in size from 15 cm to 25 cm in diameter.
- Material: The traditional Xiaogu is made of bronze, but modern versions can be made from other metals or alloys.
- Weight: The weight of the Xiaogu can vary, but it is usually lightweight and portable.
- Playing Technique: The Xiaogu is played by striking it with a mallet or a wooden stick.
- Sound: The Xiaogu produces a clear, bright, and resonant sound with a long sustain.
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97votesThe suona is a Chinese double-reed horn and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional music.The Suona is a traditional Chinese wind instrument that belongs to the oboe family. It has a distinct loud and bright sound, often described as piercing or shrill, and is commonly used in various traditional and folk music performances across China. The Suona is made of wood, with a metal bell, and has a double reed mouthpiece. It consists of a straight wooden tube with finger holes and several keys along its body to produce different tones and pitches. The instrument is played by blowing air through the double reed and manipulating the finger holes and keys to control the pitch and timbre of the sound produced. The Suona is known for its expressive and powerful performance capabilities and is often featured in processions, festivals, weddings, and other celebratory events in Chinese culture.
- Classification: Woodwind instrument
- Family: Oboe
- Materials: Wood (body), Metal (bell)
- Mouthpiece: Double reed
- Key(s): Multiple keys for pitch variation
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106votesThe liuqin is a plucked four-stringed instrument and is popular in China. It is often used in traditional and modern music.The Liuqin is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument that belongs to the lute family. It has a small pear-shaped body and a short neck with four metal strings. The soundboard is made of wood, typically paulownia, and it is played with a plectrum. The instrument produces a high-pitched, bright, and melodious sound.
- Body Shape: Pear-shaped
- Strings: Four metal strings
- Neck Length: Short
- Soundboard Material: Wood, typically paulownia
- Playing Technique: Plectrum
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Ranking factors for popular instrument
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Cultural significanceConsider the historical and cultural importance of the instrument in Chinese society, including its presence in traditional music, folk songs, and classical compositions.
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Regional popularityInvestigate the prevalence of the instrument across various regions of China. Some instruments may be more popular in certain areas due to regional music traditions and styles.
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Accessibility and affordabilityAssess the availability and cost of the instrument, as more accessible and affordable instruments may be more popular among the general public.
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VersatilityExamine the range of styles and genres in which the instrument can be played. Instruments that can be used in various musical contexts may be more popular.
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Educational opportunitiesResearch the prevalence of music schools, workshops, and classes that teach the instrument, as greater learning opportunities can contribute to its popularity.
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Representation in popular mediaObserve the instrument's presence in Chinese film, television, and music, which may indicate its popularity and influence in contemporary culture.
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Popularity among professional musiciansConsider the number of professional musicians who specialize in playing the instrument, as well as the demand for those musicians in performance settings.
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International recognitionAssess the instrument's global reputation and popularity, as international interest could influence its domestic popularity.
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Tradition and innovationInvestigate whether the instrument has maintained its traditional significance while also evolving and adapting to modern musical contexts.
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Community engagementConsider whether there are strong communities of musicians, fans, and enthusiasts who engage with and promote the instrument, which may contribute to its overall popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular instrument in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or instrument is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1552 views
- 181 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each instrument once every 24 hours. The rank of each instrument is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular instrument in china
In China, music has always been an integral part of the culture. From traditional folk music to modern pop songs, the Chinese people have always appreciated and enjoyed music in all its forms. When it comes to musical instruments, China has a rich history and a wide range of instruments that have been used for centuries.
The most popular instrument in China is the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument that has a hauntingly beautiful sound. The erhu is often referred to as the Chinese violin and is believed to have originated in the Tang Dynasty. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese music and has become a symbol of Chinese culture around the world.
Other popular instruments in China include the guzheng, a plucked zither with 21 strings, and the pipa, a four-stringed plucked lute. Both of these instruments have a long history in China and are commonly used in traditional Chinese music.
In recent years, Western instruments such as the piano and guitar have also become popular in China, especially among younger generations. However, the erhu, guzheng, and pipa remain the most iconic and beloved instruments in Chinese music.
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