How is erhu played

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. In performance the erhu is held upright on the performer's thigh, and the tautness of the bow strings is determined by the pressure of the performer's hand. Bowing is done horizontally, with right-hand fingering techniques for altering the bow tension and for crossing strings.

1. What kind of instrument is erhu?
2. How would you describe the sound of the erhu?
3. How many notes can an erhu play?
4. Where is the erhu played?

What kind of instrument is erhu?

Erhu is a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument. It is the most popular of the huqin family of traditional bowed string instruments played in China.

How would you describe the sound of the erhu?

“Erhu” in Chinese literally means “instrument with two strings.” Both sides of the bow is used to play this instrument which I found to be very interesting. ... Due to the unique sound quality of the erhu, it really does sound like horses neighing at the end of the performance.

How many notes can an erhu play?

The maximum range of the instrument is three and a half octaves, from D4 up to A7, before a stopping finger reaches the part of the string in contact with the bow hair. The usual playing range is about two and a half octaves. Various dense and heavy hardwoods are used in making the Erhu.

Where is the erhu played?

The Erhu is a two-stringed instrument played with a bow that is popular not only in China, but in those areas of East Asia where Chinese culture has had particularly great influence. Due to its resemblance in function to a violin, it is occasionally called a Chinese Violin.