Glossary

13.1 String instruments: Sitar, Erhu, Koto

4 min read•july 29, 2024

String instruments like the , , and are cornerstones of Asian music. Each has unique features that shape its sound and playing style. These instruments reflect the rich musical traditions of India, China, and Japan.

From the sitar's complex strings to the erhu's expressive bow and the koto's delicate plucks, these instruments showcase diverse techniques. Their distinct tones and cultural significance make them essential to understanding Asian music's depth and variety.

Distinguishing Features of String Instruments

Construction and Components

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  • Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument from the Indian subcontinent
    • Features a long neck, a gourd resonating chamber, and 18-21 strings
      • 6-7 playing strings and 11-13 sympathetic strings
  • Erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument from China
    • Consists of a long neck, a small hexagonal or octagonal sound box covered with python skin, and two tuning pegs
  • Koto is a Japanese zither with 13 strings
    • Strings are stretched over a long, rectangular wooden body
    • Movable bridges are used to adjust the pitch of each string

Plucked vs Bowed Instruments

  • Sitar and koto are plucked string instruments
    • Strings are plucked directly with fingers or plectrums to produce sound
  • Erhu is a bowed string instrument
    • Sound is produced by drawing a bow across the strings

Playing Techniques and Tonal Qualities

Sitar Techniques and Tone

  • Sitar playing involves using a wire plectrum (mizrab) worn on the right index finger to pluck the strings
    • Left hand manipulates the strings to create ornamentations, slides, and bends
  • Sitar produces a rich, twangy, and resonant sound with complex overtones
    • Unique jawari buzzing effect is created by its curved bridge
    • Sympathetic strings contribute to the complex resonance

Erhu Techniques and Tone

  • Erhu playing involves using a horsehair bow held between the two strings
    • Left hand presses the strings to change pitch and create vibrato, slides, and ornamentations
  • Erhu has a hauntingly expressive, somewhat nasal tone, often compared to the human voice
    • Wide range of dynamics and pitch bends are possible

Koto Techniques and Tone

  • Koto playing involves the strings with three finger picks (tsume) worn on the right hand thumb, index, and middle fingers
    • Left hand presses down on the strings to the left of the movable bridges to change pitch
  • Koto has a clear, delicate, and somewhat percussive tone
    • Wide range of pitch and dynamic possibilities through various plucking and strumming techniques

Cultural Significance of String Instruments

Sitar in Hindustani Classical Music

  • Sitar is closely associated with Hindustani classical music of North India
    • Used for solo performances, accompaniment, and in ensembles with tabla and other instruments
  • Sitar music is deeply connected to spiritual and meditative practices
    • Ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles) are designed to evoke specific moods and emotions

Erhu in Chinese Traditional Music

  • Erhu is an integral part of
    • Used in solo performances, ensembles, and as an accompaniment to opera, dance, and storytelling
  • Erhu music often depicts scenes from nature, expresses emotions, and tells stories
    • Regional variations in playing style and repertoire exist

Koto in Japanese Traditional Culture

  • Koto is a symbol of
    • Historically associated with the imperial court and the refined arts of the samurai and aristocratic classes
  • Koto music includes both solo and ensemble genres
    • (solo pieces), (trio with shamisen and shakuhachi), and new compositions influenced by Western music

Sitar vs Erhu vs Koto

Plucked vs Bowed Instruments

  • Sitar and koto are plucked string instruments, while erhu is a bowed instrument
    • Results in different playing techniques and tonal qualities

Number of Strings and Complexity

  • Sitar and koto have a larger number of strings (18-21 and 13, respectively) compared to erhu's two strings
    • Allows for more complex harmonies and drones

Instrument Shape and Playing Position

  • Sitar and erhu have a long neck, while koto has a long, rectangular body with no neck
    • Affects the way the instruments are held and played
  • Sitar and koto are played while seated on the floor, with the instrument held horizontally
  • Erhu is played while seated in a chair, with the instrument held vertically

Pitch Control and Ornamentation

  • Sitar and koto rely on the use of the left hand to change pitch and create ornamentations
  • Erhu uses the bow and left-hand fingering to achieve similar effects

Resonating Chambers and Timbre

  • Sitar has a gourd resonator, erhu has a small sound box covered with python skin, and koto has a hollow wooden body
    • Contributes to their distinct timbres and resonance

Key Terms to Review (25)

Bamboo: Bamboo is a type of grass that is known for its fast growth and versatility, often used in the construction of various musical instruments in many Asian cultures. Its natural properties, such as being lightweight yet strong, make it an ideal material for creating wind and string instruments, providing unique tonal qualities that are essential to traditional music.
Bowing: Bowing is a technique used to produce sound on string instruments by drawing a bow across the strings, creating vibration. This method allows musicians to generate a wide range of dynamics and expressiveness, making it a fundamental technique in many string instrument performances, particularly in folk music and traditional genres.
Chinese Opera: Chinese opera is a traditional performance art that combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics, rooted in the rich cultural history of China. It showcases a variety of regional styles, each with its own distinct musical traditions and linguistic influences, reflecting the linguistic diversity and cultural intricacies of Chinese society.
Chinese traditional music: Chinese traditional music refers to the diverse musical styles, forms, and practices that have developed over thousands of years within the various regions and cultures of China. This music is characterized by its unique tonal systems, instruments, and performance practices, often reflecting the philosophical and aesthetic principles of Chinese culture. Traditional music plays a crucial role in ceremonies, festivals, and storytelling, connecting people to their history and cultural identity.
Danmono: Danmono refers to a type of musical composition characterized by its repetitive structure, often performed on string instruments. This form is deeply rooted in various Asian musical traditions, showcasing the interplay of melody and rhythm while typically featuring a continuous development of themes and variations. Danmono is significant as it reflects the unique cultural contexts of string instruments, illustrating how each culture interprets repetitive motifs and improvisational techniques.
Ensemble playing: Ensemble playing refers to the collaborative performance of music by a group of musicians, where each player contributes to the overall sound and texture of the music. This practice emphasizes synchronization, communication, and unity among the musicians, making it an essential aspect of various musical traditions. The richness and complexity of ensemble playing can be seen in different cultural contexts, showcasing unique instruments and styles that highlight the importance of collective creativity and harmony.
Erhu: The erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument from China, often referred to as the 'Chinese violin.' It plays a vital role in traditional Chinese music, bridging folk traditions, opera, and ensemble performances, while also showcasing its adaptability in modern musical contexts.
Hindustani music: Hindustani music is a classical music tradition from North India characterized by its improvisational style and a rich history influenced by various cultural exchanges over centuries. It emphasizes melodic frameworks called ragas, and rhythmic cycles known as talas, which play a critical role in the performance. This tradition contrasts with other Asian musical forms by its unique use of instruments, vocal techniques, and cultural contexts.
Indian classical music: Indian classical music is a rich and complex tradition of music that has evolved over thousands of years, characterized by its unique ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles). This music is deeply connected to cultural expressions, spiritual practices, and regional identities across India, making it distinct from other musical traditions in Asia.
Japanese Traditional Culture: Japanese traditional culture encompasses the rich heritage and practices that have evolved over centuries in Japan, including art, music, theater, and festivals. It reflects the values, beliefs, and social customs of the Japanese people, deeply rooted in Shintoism and Buddhism. This culture is expressed in various forms, such as music played on traditional instruments that are integral to ceremonies and celebrations.
Koto: The koto is a traditional Japanese string instrument that is played by plucking its strings, typically made of silk or nylon, with picks worn on the fingers. This instrument has deep cultural significance and is closely associated with various musical styles in Japan, including classical and contemporary music.
Modal scales: Modal scales are musical scales that are derived from the diatonic scale, characterized by their unique sequence of whole and half steps. Each mode has its own distinctive sound and emotional quality, which is influenced by the arrangement of intervals. These scales play a vital role in various musical traditions, including the folk and classical music of Vietnam, as well as in the melodies produced by string instruments like the sitar, erhu, and koto.
Plucking: Plucking refers to the technique of playing a string instrument by using the fingers or a plectrum to directly pull or snap the strings, producing sound. This method contrasts with bowing, where a bow is drawn across the strings. Plucking is an essential technique in various musical styles, and it influences the timbre, articulation, and expressiveness of the music produced.
Raga: Raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music that serves as the basis for improvisation and composition, characterized by a specific set of notes, associated emotions, and unique ornamentations. It embodies both a musical structure and a cultural expression, influencing various styles of music across regions and traditions.
Ravi Shankar: Ravi Shankar was a renowned Indian sitar virtuoso and composer, who played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to the Western world. His innovative collaborations with Western musicians and dedication to preserving Indian musical traditions contributed significantly to the historical development of music in both India and abroad.
Sankyoku: Sankyoku refers to a traditional ensemble music style from Japan that typically features three instruments: the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), the shakuhachi (a bamboo flute), and the koto (a long zither). This form of music is characterized by its intricate interplay between the instruments, creating a unique sound that reflects the aesthetics of Japanese culture. The term embodies not only the specific instrumentation but also the performance practices and cultural significance behind this ensemble, highlighting its roots in various traditional art forms.
Silk strings: Silk strings are a type of string made from the fibers of silk, traditionally used in various string instruments in Asian music. They provide a unique tone quality that is smooth and rich, contributing to the characteristic sound of instruments such as the sitar, erhu, and koto. The choice of silk over other materials affects both the timbre and playability, making it an essential feature in the construction and performance of these instruments.
Sitar: The sitar is a plucked string instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent, widely recognized for its distinctive sound and intricate design. It is an essential instrument in Hindustani classical music, known for its ability to create complex melodic lines and evoke deep emotional expression. The sitar's role extends beyond traditional settings, influencing contemporary music scenes and serving as a bridge between classical and popular music.
Sliding: Sliding is a musical technique where a performer transitions between notes by gliding their finger or hand along the string, creating a smooth and continuous sound. This technique is characterized by its expressive quality and ability to convey emotion, making it an essential aspect of string instrument performance.
Solo performance: Solo performance refers to a musical presentation where an individual artist performs alone, showcasing their skill and interpretation of the music. This format emphasizes the personal expression and technical prowess of the performer, allowing them to connect directly with the audience through their unique rendition of the piece. In various string traditions, solo performances serve as a vital medium for cultural expression and individual artistry.
Tala: Tala is a rhythmic framework in Indian classical music that structures the time cycle, consisting of a series of beats organized into specific patterns. It serves as the foundation for both melodic and rhythmic performance, providing a sense of timing and balance within compositions, whether in Carnatic or Hindustani styles.
Tortoiseshell: Tortoiseshell refers to a material traditionally made from the shells of certain sea turtles, known for its beautiful patterns and durability. This material has been historically used in various applications, including the crafting of musical instruments, where it is valued for its acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal, particularly in string instruments.
Tōru takemitsu: Tōru Takemitsu was a prominent Japanese composer known for blending traditional Japanese music with Western classical music influences. His work often reflects elements of Zen philosophy and embraces the natural world, creating a unique soundscape that resonates deeply within the realm of both contemporary and traditional music.
Tuning systems: Tuning systems refer to the methods and frameworks used to determine the pitch relationships between musical notes in various musical traditions. These systems are crucial in shaping the sound and character of instrumental and vocal music, as they dictate how instruments are tuned and how melodies are constructed within a musical piece.
Yo-Yo Ma: Yo-Yo Ma is a world-renowned cellist known for his exceptional talent and dedication to bridging cultural divides through music. His work often reflects the rich tapestry of Asian music traditions, showcasing the diversity of musical expression found across various regions and communities. Through his performances and collaborations, he highlights the importance of preserving musical heritage, especially within diaspora communities, while also integrating classical Western styles with traditional Asian instruments like the erhu and koto.
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