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{{short description|Chinese stringed music instrument}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
<!--Would editors please discuss any major changes in the talkpage of this article before making them.-->
{{Italic title|reason=[[:Category:Chinese words and phrases]]}}
{{Infobox instrument
| name                  = Guqin
| image                 =ZhongNiShi.jpg
| image_size            =
| alt                   =
| caption               =
| background            =string
| names                 =qin, ku-ch'in, qixian-qin
| classification        =[[String instrument|String]]
| hornbostel_sachs      =[[List of musical instruments by Hornbostel–Sachs number: 312.22|312.22]]
| hornbostel_sachs_desc =heterochord half-tube [[zither]]
| inventors             =
| developed             =1st millennium BC or earlier
| timbre                = 
| volume                = quiet
| attack                = 
| decay                 = 
| range                 =
| pitch                 = 
| related               = [[Ichigenkin]], [[geomungo]]
| musicians             =See [[#Players|below]]
| builders              =
| articles              =
}}
{{Infobox intangible heritage
| Image = 
| Caption = 
| ICH = Guqin and its music
| State Party = China
| Domains = 
| Criteria = 
| ID = 61
| Region = Asia-Pacific region
| Year = 2003
| Session = 3th
| List = Representative
| Link = 
| Below = [[File:Unesco Cultural Heritage logo.svg|100px]]
| Note = UNESCO Cultural Heritage
}}  
{{Infobox Chinese
|title = '''Guqin'''
|c=古琴
|l=ancient [[:zh:琴|qin (a type of musical instrument)]]
|p=gǔqín
|w=ku<sup>3</sup>-ch'in<sup>2</sup>
|mi={{IPAc-cmn|AUD|zh-gu3qin2.ogg|g|u|3|q|in|2}}
|y=gú-kàhm
|tl=kóo-khîm
|mc={{IPA|gim}}
|oc-bs=&ast;{{IPA|[C.ɢ](r)[ə]m}}
}}
The '''''guqin''''' ({{IPAc-cmn|AUD|zh-gu3qin2.ogg|g|u|3|q|in|2}}; {{Zh|c=古琴}}) is a plucked seven-string [[Chinese musical instrument]]. It has been played since ancient times, and has traditionally been favoured by [[scholars]] and [[Scholar-bureaucrats|literati]] as an instrument of great subtlety and refinement, as highlighted by the quote "a gentleman does not part with his ''qin'' or ''[[se (instrument)|se]]'' without good reason,"<ref>''[[Classic of Rites|Li Ji]]'': Quli, second half {{lang|zh|禮記‧曲禮下}}.</ref> as well as being associated with the ancient Chinese philosopher [[Confucius]]. It is sometimes referred to by the Chinese as "the father of Chinese music" or "the instrument of the sages". The ''guqin'' is not to be confused with the ''[[guzheng]]'', another Chinese long stringed instrument also without [[frets]], but with moveable [[bridge (instrument)|bridges]] under each string.

Traditionally, the instrument was simply referred to as the "''qin''" ({{lang|zh|琴}})<ref>Zhang Yushu et al. ''Kangxi Zidian'' {{lang|zh|【康熙字典】}}. Folio 28.</ref> but by the twentieth century the term had come to be applied to many other musical instruments as well: the ''[[yangqin]]'' hammered dulcimer, the ''[[huqin]]'' family of bowed string instruments, and the Western [[piano]] (''gangqin'' ({{lang|zh|钢琴}})) and [[violin]] (''xiaotiqin'' ({{lang|zh|小提琴}})) are examples of this usage. The prefix "''gu-''" ({{lang|zh|古}}; meaning "ancient") was later added for clarification. Thus, the instrument is called "''guqin''" today. It can also be called ''qixian-qin'' ({{lang|zh|七絃琴}}; lit. "seven-stringed qin"). Because [[Robert van Gulik|Robert Hans van Gulik]]'s book about the qin is called ''The Lore of the Chinese Lute'', the guqin is sometimes inaccurately called a [[lute]].<ref>John Thompson on the Guqin Silk String Zither (2005) Qin: Lute or Zither? (http://www.silkqin.com/11misc/lute.htm , 29 July 2006)</ref> Other incorrect classifications, mainly from music compact discs, include "[[harp]]" or "table-harp".{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

The guqin is a very quiet instrument, with a range of about four [[octaves]], and its open strings are tuned in the bass register. Its lowest pitch is about two octaves below [[middle C]], or the lowest note on the [[cello]]. Sounds are produced by [[wiktionary:pluck|plucking]] open strings, stopped strings, and [[harmonics]]. The use of [[glissando]]—sliding tones—gives it a sound reminiscent of a [[pizzicato]] cello, fretless [[double bass]] or a [[slide guitar]]. The qin has 13 "hui", which represent the different position in one string. Pressing different "hui" produces different sound keys. The qin is also capable of many harmonics, of which 91 are most commonly used and indicated by the dotted positions. By tradition, the qin originally had five strings, which represent gong, shang, jue, zhi, yu in the ancient Chinese music system, but ancient qin-like instruments with only one string or more strings have been found. The modern form has been stabilized to seven strings.

There are more than 3,360 known surviving pieces of guqin music from ancient and imperial periods. On 7 November 2003, UNESCO announced that the Chinese guqin was selected as an Intangible World Cultural Heritage. In 2006, guqin was listed in the List of National Non-material Cultural Heritage in China. In 2010, a [[Song dynasty|Song period]] guqin was sold for $22 million, making it the most expensive musical instrument ever sold.<ref name=twentytwo>{{cite news|title=An Ancient Chinese Instrument Is Making a Comeback|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/arts/12iht-guqin12.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=11 April 2012 |quote=In 2010, a guqin owned by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty sold for 137 million renminbi, about $22 million, by most accounts the highest price ever paid for a musical instrument.|access-date=8 December 2020|last1=Melvin |first1=Sheila }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Jiu Xiao Huan Pei.jpg|thumb|The [[Tang dynasty]] (618–907) qin, the "Jiu Xiao Huan Pei"]]
{{Main|Guqin history}}
[[File:Girl playing a Guqin. Mingqi. Eastern Han Dynasty. Toulon Asian Art Museum.jpg|thumb|A girl playing a guqin, Eastern [[Han dynasty]], collection of the Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon, France]]
Legend has it that the qin, the most revered of all Chinese musical instruments, has a history of about 5,000 years, and that the legendary figures of China's [[pre-history]] – [[Fuxi]], [[Shennong]] and Huang Di, the "[[Yellow Emperor]]" – were involved in its creation. Nearly all qin books and tablature collections published prior to the twentieth century state this as the actual origins of the qin,<ref>Yin, Wei. ''Zhongguo Qinshi Yanyi'' {{lang|zh|【中国琴史演义】}}. Pages 1-10.</ref> although this is now viewed as mythology. It is mentioned in Chinese writings dating back nearly 3,000 years, and examples have been found in tombs from about 2,500 years ago. The exact origins of the qin is still a very much continuing subject of debate over the past few decades.

In 1977, a recording of "Flowing Water" (''Liu Shui'', as performed by [[Guan Pinghu]], one of the best qin players of the 20th century) was chosen to be included in the [[Voyager Golden Record]], a gold-plated LP recording containing music from around the world, which was sent into outer space by [[NASA]] on the [[Voyager 1]] and [[Voyager 2]] spacecraft. It is the second-longest excerpt included on the disc. The reason to select a work played on this specific instrument is because the tonal structure of the instrument, its musical scale, is derived from fundamental [[physics|physical laws]] related to [[vibration]] and [[overtone]]s, representing the intellectual capacity of human beings on this subject. In 2003, guqin music was proclaimed as one of the [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] by [[UNESCO]].<ref>United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2004) The Art of Guqin Music (http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/masterpiece.php?id=65&lg=en, 29 July 2006) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215113712/http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/masterpiece.php?id=65&lg=en |date=15 February 2006 }}</ref>

==Schools, societies and players==
[[File:Songhuizong8.jpg|thumb|The painting "Ting Qin Tu" (''Listening to the Qin''), by the [[Emperor Huizong of Song|Song emperor Huizong]] (1082–1135)]]
[[File:琴书乐志图轴.传宋.刘松年绘.纸本设色.台北故宫博物院藏.jpg|thumb|Song dynasty painting ''Depiction of the Joyful Aspiration in Guqin and Story Telling'' by [[Liu Songnian]]]]
As with any other musical tradition, there are differences in ideals and interaction between different people. Therefore, there exist different schools and societies which transmit these different ideas and artistic traditions.

===Historical schools===
{{Main|Qin schools}}
Many qin schools known as ''qin pai'' developed over the centuries. Such schools generally formed around areas where qin activity was greatest.

Some schools have come and gone, and some have offshoots (such as the Mei'an school, a Zhucheng school offshoot). Often, the school is originated from a single person, such as the Wu school which is named after the late [[Wu Zhaoji]]. The style can vary considerably between schools; some are very similar, yet others are very distinct. The differences are often in the interpretation of the music. Northern schools tend to be more vigorous in technique than Southern schools. But in modern terms, the distinction between schools and styles is often blurred because a single player may learn from many different players from different schools and absorb each of their styles. This is especially so for conservatory trained players. People from the same school trained under the same master may have different individual styles (such as [[Zhang Ziqian]] and Liu Shaochun of the Guangling school).{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

===Guqin societies===
{{Main|List of guqin societies}}

There is a difference between qin schools and qin societies. The former concerns itself with transmission of a style, the latter concerns itself with performance. The qin society will encourage meetings with fellow qin players in order to play music and maybe discuss the nature of the qin. A gathering like this is called a ''yaji'' ({{lang|zh|[[wikt:雅集|雅集]]}}, literally "elegant gathering"), and takes place once every month or two. Sometimes, societies may go on excursions to places of natural beauty to play qin, or attend conferences. They may also participate in competitions or research. Societies do not need strict structure to adhere to; they can operate on a leisurely basis. The main purpose of qin societies is to promote and play qin music. They create opportunities to network and learn to play the instrument, to ask questions and to receive answers.

===Players===
Many artists down through the ages have played the instrument, and the instrument was a favourite of scholars. Certain melodies are also associated with famous figures, such as Confucius and Qu Yuan. Some emperors of China also had a liking to the qin, including the [[Song dynasty]] emperor, Huizong, as clearly seen in his own painting of himself playing the qin in "Ting Qin Tu".<ref>{{lang|zh|聽琴圖}}, ''Listening to the Qin''</ref><ref>Yang, Xin et al. (1997). ''Three Thousand Years of Chinese Painting''. Page 122.</ref>

====Historical====
*[[Confucius]]: Philosopher, 551–479 BCE, associated with the piece ''Kongzi Duyi'',<ref>{{lang|zh|《孔子讀易》}}</ref> ''Weibian Sanjue''<ref>{{lang|zh|《韋編三絕/韦编三绝》}}</ref> and ''Youlan''.<ref>{{lang|zh|《幽蘭/幽兰》}}</ref>
*[[Bo Ya]]: Qin player of the [[Spring and Autumn period]], associated with the piece ''Gao Shan''.<ref>{{lang|zh|《高山》}}</ref> and ''Liu Shui''<ref name="《流水》">{{lang|zh|《流水》}}</ref>
*[[Zhuang Zhou|Zhuang Zi]]: Daoist philosopher of the [[Warring States period]], associated with the piece ''Zhuang Zhou Mengdie''<ref>{{lang|zh|《莊周夢蝶》}}</ref> and ''Shenhua Yin''.<ref>{{lang|zh|《神化引》}}</ref>
*[[Qu Yuan]] (340–278 BCE): Poet of the [[Warring States period]], associated with the piece ''[[Li Sao]]''.<ref>{{lang|zh|《離騷》}}</ref>
*[[Cai Yong]]: [[Han dynasty|Han]] musician, author of ''Qin Cao''.<ref>{{lang|zh|【琴操】}}</ref>
*[[Cai Wenji]]: Cai Yong's daughter, associated with the piece ''Hujia Shiba-pai'',<ref>{{lang|zh|《胡笳十八拍》}}</ref> etc.
*[[Sima Xiangru]]: Han poet, 179–117 BCE.
*[[Zhuge Liang]] (181–234): Chinese military leader in the [[Three Kingdoms]], one legend has him playing guqin calmly outside his fort while scaring off the enemy attackers.
*[[Ji Kang]]: One of the [[Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove]], musician and poet, writer of ''Qin Fu''.<ref>{{lang|zh|【琴賦】}}</ref>
*[[Li Bai]]: Tang poet, 701–762.
*[[Bai Juyi]]: Tang poet, 772–846.
*[[Song Huizong]]: Song emperor famous for his patronage of the arts, had a ''Wanqin Tang''<ref>{{lang|zh|『萬琴堂』}}</ref> ("10,000 Qin Hall") in his palace.
*[[Guo Chuwang]]: Patriot at the end of the Song dynasty, composer of the piece ''Xiaoxiang Shuiyun''.<ref>{{lang|zh|《瀟湘水雲/潇湘水云》}}</ref>

The classical collections such as ''Qin Shi'', ''Qinshi Bu'' and ''Qinshi Xu'' include [[biography|biographies]] of hundreds more players.<ref>Zhou, Zi'an. ''Wuzhi Zhai Qinpu'' {{lang|zh|【五知齋琴譜】}}. Volume 1, folio 1, leaf <gold> 18–28.</ref>

====Contemporary====
{{Main|Contemporary guqin players}}

Contemporary qin players extend from the early twentieth century to the present. More so than in the past, such players tend to have many different pursuits and [[profession|occupations]] other than qin playing. There are only a few players who are paid to exclusively play and research the guqin professionally and nothing else. Qin players can also be well-versed in other cultural pursuits, such as the arts. Or they can do independent research on music subjects. Often, players may play other instruments (not necessarily Chinese) and give recitals or talks.

==Performance==
[[File:Guqin range.svg|thumb|The note range of a qin]]
[[File:Guqin Letter Notation (2025).png|alt=Guqin notes translated to Western letter notation|thumb|Guqin notes translated to Western letter notation. Letters on the left indicate open string notes, points on the top correspond to hui from 1 to 13]]
During the performance of qin, musicians may use a variety of techniques to reach the full expressing potential of the instrument. There are many special tablatures that had developed over the centuries specifically dedicated to qin for their reference and a repertoire of popular and ancient tunes for their choice.
===Playing technique===
{{Main|Guqin playing technique}}

The tones of qin can be categorized as three characteristic "sounds". The first type is ''san yin'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:散音|散音]]}}), which literally means "unfettered sound". It's the fundamental frequency produced by plucking a free string with the fingers of the right hand. The second type, made by plucking a string with the right hand and gently tapping specific note positions on the string with the left hand, will create a crisp sound named ''fan yin'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:泛音|泛音]]}}, lit. "floating sound") or overtone [[harmonics]] (the equivalent technique in Western music is the [[string harmonic]] or ''flageolet''). Important scale notes, called ''hui'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:徽|徽]]}}), are marked by 13 glossy white dots made of mica or seashell inset in the front surface of the qin, occur at integer divisions of the string length. The "crystal concordant" (perfectly harmonic) overtones can only be evoked by tapping the strings precisely at these ''hui''. The third type is ''an yin'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:按音|按音]]/[[wiktionary:案音|案音]]}},<ref>{{lang|zh|案}} is a dated variant of {{lang|zh|按}}</ref> lit. "pressed sound"), which is sometimes also called ''shi yin'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:實|實]]音}}, lit. "full sound") or ''zou yin'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:走|走]]音}}, lit. "changing sound"). These comprise the major cadences of most qin pieces. To play ''an yin'', the musician stops a string at a specific pitch on the board surface with the left thumb, middle or ring finger, strikes the string with the right hand, then they may slide the left hand up and down to vary the note. This technique is similar to playing a [[slide guitar]] across the player's lap. However, the manipulation of qin is much more multifarious than that of a guitar, which has only around 3 or 4 main techniques.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} ({{Audio|PL clip.ogg|Listen to ''Pei Lan''}}). According to the book ''Cunjian Guqin Zhifa Puzi Jilan'', there are around 1,070 different finger techniques used for the qin. Thus the qin is possibly the instrument with the most playing techniques in both the Chinese and Western instrument families.<ref>Guo, Ping. ''Guqin Congtan'' {{lang|zh|【古琴丛谈】}}. Page 112.</ref> Most of the qin's techniques are obsolete, but around 50 of them still appear in modern performance. Sometimes, guqin can be played with a violin [[Bow (music)|bow]]. It has a tone similar to that of a [[cello]], but raspier.

<gallery class="center">
Image:Qintech Tiao.PNG|{{lang|zh|〈挑〉}} Tiao
Image:Qintech Gou.jpg|{{lang|zh|〈勾〉}} Gou
Image:Qintech Pi.PNG|{{lang|zh|〈擘〉}} Bo
Image:Qintech Bo.jpg|{{lang|zh|〈撥〉}} Bo
</gallery>The above four figures are from an old handbook.<ref>Zhang, He. ''Qinxue Rumen'' {{lang|zh|【琴學入門】}}. Volume 1, leaves 39, 40, 43 and 47.</ref>

===Tablature and notation===
{{Listen|type=music|header=The recordings below were made in 2013
|filename=Guqin-Yangguan Sandie.ogg
|title=Yangguan Sandie {{lang|zh|《陽關三疊》}} "Three Refrains on the Yang Pass Theme"
|description=From the ''Qinxue Rumen'' {{lang|zh|【琴學入門】}} (1867)
|filename2=Guqin-Zuiyu_Changwan.ogg
|title2=Zuiyu Changwan {{lang|zh|《醉漁唱晚》}} "Evening Song of the Drunken Fisherman"
|description2=From the ''Tianwen Ge Qinpu'' {{lang|zh|【天聞閣琴譜】}} (1876)}}
{{Main|Guqin notation}}
{{See also|Qinpu}}
[[File:Youlan.jpg|thumb|First section of ''Youlan'', showing the name of the piece: "Jieshi Diao Youlan No.5", the preface describing the piece's origins, and the tablature in longhand form.]]

{{wikisourcelang|zh|碣石調幽蘭|"Jieshi Diao Youlan" 《碣石調幽蘭》}}
Written qin music did not directly tell what notes were played; instead, it was written in a [[tablature]] detailing tuning, finger positions, and stroke technique, thus comprising a step by step method and description of how to play a piece. Some tablatures do indicate notes using the [[gongche notation|gongche]] system, or indicate [[rhythm]] using [[wikt:dot|dot]]s. The earliest example of the modern [[shorthand]] tablature survives from around the twelfth century CE. An earlier form of music notation from the Tang era survives in just one manuscript, dated to the seventh century CE, called ''[[Jieshi Diao Youlan]]''<ref>{{lang|zh|《碣石調幽蘭》}}</ref> (''Solitary Orchid in Stone Tablet Mode''). It is written in a [[longhand]] form called ''wenzi pu'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:文|文]] [[wiktionary:字|字]]譜}}) (literally "written notation"), said to have been created by Yong Menzhou<ref>{{lang|zh|雍門周}}</ref> during the [[Warring States period]], which gives all the details using ordinary written [[Chinese characters]]. Later in the [[Tang dynasty]], Cao Rou<ref>{{lang|zh|曹柔}}</ref> and others simplified the notation, using only the important elements of the characters (like string number, plucking technique, ''hui'' number and which finger to stop the string) and combined them into one character [[Musical notation|notation]]. This meant that instead of having two lines of written text to describe a few notes, a single character could represent one [[note (music)|note]], or sometimes as many as nine. This notation form was called ''jianzi pu'' ({{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:減|減]]字譜}}) (literally "reduced notation") and it was a major advance in qin notation. It was so successful that from the [[Ming dynasty]] onwards, a great many '''qinpu''' ({{lang|zh|琴[[wiktionary:譜|譜]]}}) (qin tablature collections) appeared, the most famous and useful being "Shenqi Mipu" (The Mysterious and Marvellous Tablature) compiled by [[Zhu Quan]], the 17th son of the founder of the Ming dynasty.<ref>Zhu, Quan. ''Shenqi Mipu'' {{lang|zh|【神竒秘譜】}}.</ref> In the 1960s, Zha Fuxi discovered more than 130 qinpu that contain well over 3360 pieces of written music. However, many qinpu compiled before the Ming dynasty are now lost, and many pieces have remained unplayed for hundreds of years.<ref>Zha, Fuxi. ''Cunjian Guqin Qupu Jilan'' {{lang|zh|【存見古琴曲譜輯覽】}}. Pages 3-44.</ref>

===Repertoire===
[[File:Kam Hok Yap Mun-Yeung Kwan Sam Tip.jpg|thumb|The ''Qinxue Rumen'' {{lang|zh|【琴學入門】}} (1864) tablature has dots and [[gongche]] notation next to the qin tablature to indicate beats and notes.]]

Qin pieces are usually around three to eight minutes in length, with the longest being "Guangling San",<ref>{{lang|zh|《廣陵散》}}</ref> which is 22 minutes long. Other famous pieces include "Liu Shui"<ref name="《流水》"/> (Flowing Water), "[[Yangguan]] San Die"<ref>{{lang|zh|《陽關三疊/阳关三叠》}}</ref> (Three Refrains on the Yang Pass Theme), "Meihua San Nong"<ref>{{lang|zh|《梅花三弄》}}</ref> (Three Variations on the [[Plum Blossom]] Theme), "Xiao Xiang Shui Yun"<ref>{{lang|zh|《瀟湘水雲》}}</ref> (Mist and Clouds over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers), and "Pingsha Luo Yan"<ref>{{lang|zh|《平沙落雁》}}</ref> ([[Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank|Wild Geese Descending on the]] Sandbank). The average player will generally have a repertoire of around ten pieces which they will aim to play very well, learning new pieces as and when they feel like it or if the opportunity arises. Players mainly learn popular well-transcribed versions, often using a recording as a reference. In addition to learning to play established or ancient pieces very well, highly skilled qin players may also [[musical composition|compose]] or [[music improvisation|improvise]], although the player must be very good and extremely familiar with the instrument to do this successfully. A number of qin melodies are [[program music]] depicting the natural world.

====Transcription====
'''Dapu''' ({{lang|zh|打譜}}) is the [[Transcription (music)|transcribing]] of old tablature into a playable form. Since qin tablature does not indicate [[note value]], [[tempo]] or [[rhythm]], the player must work it out for themselves. Normally, qin players will learn the rhythm of a piece through a teacher or master. They sit facing one another, with the student copying the master. The tablature will only be consulted if the teacher is not sure of how to play a certain part. Because of this, traditional qinpu do not indicate them (though near the end of the Qing dynasty, a handful of qinpu had started to employ various rhythm indicating devices, such as dots). If one did not have a teacher, then one had to work out the rhythm by themselves. But it would be a mistake to assume that qin music is devoid of rhythm and melody. By the 20th century, there had been attempts to try to replace the "jianzi pu" notation, but so far, it has been unsuccessful; since the 20th century, qin music is generally printed with [[staff notation]] above the qin tablature. Because qin tablature is so useful, logical, easy, and the fastest way (once the performer knows how to read the notation) of learning a piece, it is invaluable to the qin player and cannot totally be replaced (just as staff notation cannot be replaced for Western instruments, because they developed a notation system that suited the instruments well).

[[File:QXCS tab.JPG|thumb|The ''Qinxue Congshu'' {{lang|zh|【琴學叢書】}} (1910) uses a more detailed system involving a grid next to main qin notation; right grid line indicates note, middle indicates the beat, left indicates how the qin tablature relates to the rhythm.]]

There is a saying that goes "a short piece requires three months [of dapu to complete], and a long piece requires three years". In actual practice, it needn't be that long to dapu a piece, but suggests that the player will have not only memorised the piece off by heart, but also have their fingering, rhythm and timing corrected. And afterwards, the emotion must be put into the piece. Therefore, it could be said that it really does require three months or years to finish dapu of a piece in order for them to play it to a very high standard.

====Rhythm in qin music====
It has already been discussed that qin music has a rhythm and that it is only vaguely indicated in the tablature.<ref>[http://www.silkqin.com/08anal/rhtm.htm A more detailed analysis can be found here]</ref> Though there is an amount of guesswork involved, the tablature has clues to indicate rhythm, such as repeating motifs, an indication of phrases or how the notation is arranged. Throughout the history of the qinpu, we see many attempts to indicate this rhythm more explicitly, involving devices like dots to make beats. Probably, one of the major projects to regulate the rhythm to a large scale was the compilers of the ''Qinxue Congshu'' tablature collection of the 1910s to 1930s. The construction of the written tablature was divided into two columns. The first was further divided into about three lines of a grid, each line indicating a varied combination of lyrics, gongche tablature, se tablature, pitch, and/or beats depending on the score used. The second column was devoted to qin tablature.

Western composers have noticed that the rhythm in a piece of qin music can change; once they seem to have got a beat, the beats change. This is due to the fact that qin players may use some free rhythm in their playing. Whatever beat they use will depend on the emotion or the feeling of the player, and how they interpret the piece. However, some melodies have sections of fixed rhythm which are played the same way generally. The main theme of ''Meihua Sannong'', for example, uses this. Some sections of certain melodies require the player to play faster with force to express the emotion of the piece. Examples include the middle sections of ''Guangling San'' and ''Xiaoxiang Shuiyun''. Other pieces, such as ''Jiu Kuang'' has a fixed rhythm throughout the entire piece.

==Organology==
[[File:QXCS1front.jpg|thumb|A qin tablature collection "Qinxue Congshu"]]
While acoustics dictated the general form and construction of the guqin, its external form could and did take on a huge amount of variation, whether it be from the embellishments or even the basic structure of the instrument. Qin tablatures from the [[Song dynasty|Song era]] onwards have catalogued a plethora of qin forms. All, however, obey very basic rules of acoustics and [[symbol]]ism of form. The qin uses strings of [[silk]] or [[metal]]-[[nylon]] and is tuned in accordance to traditional principles.

Ancient guqins were made of little more than wood and strings of twisted silk. Ornaments included inlaid dots of mother-of-pearl or other similar materials. Traditionally, the [[Sound board (music)|sound board]] was made of Chinese parasol wood [[firmiana simplex]], its rounded shape symbolising the heavens. The bottom was made of Chinese Catalpa, ''[[Catalpa ovata]]'', its flat shape symbolising earth. Modern instruments are most frequently made of [[Cunninghamia]] or other similar timbers. The traditional finish is of raw lacquer mixed with powdered deer horn, and the finishing process could take months of curing to complete. The finish develops cracks over time, and these cracks are believed to improve the instrument's sound as the wood and lacquer release tension. An antique guqin's age can be determined by this snake like crack pattern called "duanwen" ({{lang|zh|斷紋}}).

===Construction===
{{Main|Guqin construction}}

According to tradition, the qin originally had five strings, representing the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Later, in the [[Zhou dynasty]], [[Zhou Wen Wang]] added a sixth string to mourn his son, [[Boyikao]]. His successor, [[King Wu of Zhou|Zhou Wu Wang]], added a seventh string to motivate his troops into battle with the Shang. The thirteen ''hui''<ref>『{{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:徽|徽]]}}』</ref> on the surface represent the 13 months of the year (the extra 13th is the 'leap month' in the [[lunar calendar]]). The surface board is round to represent Heaven and the bottom board flat to represent the earth. The entire length of the qin (in [[Chinese measurements]]) is 3 ''chi'', 6 ''cun'' and 5 ''fen'';<ref>ff「{{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:三|三]] [[wiktionary:尺|尺]] [[wiktionary:六|六]] [[wiktionary:寸|寸]] [[wiktionary:五|五]] [[wiktionary:分|分]]}}」</ref> representing the 365 days of the year (though this is just a standard since qins can be shorter or longer depending on the period's measurement standard or the maker's preference). Each part of the qin has meaning, some more obvious, like "dragon pool"<ref>『{{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:龍|龍]] [[wiktionary:池|池]]/龙池}}』</ref> and "phoenix pond".<ref>『{{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:鳳|鳳]] [[wiktionary:沼|沼]]/凤沼』}}</ref>

[[File:Qin part names.png|thumb|center|650px|Names of (from left to right) the front, inside and back parts of the qin]]

===Strings===
{{Main|Guqin strings}}
[[File:Qin Strings.jpg|thumb|A selection of different qin strings. Top to bottom: ({{lang|zh|太古琴絃}}) Taigu Silk Qin Strings ({{lang|zh|中清}} zhongqing gauge) with a container of 'string gum' ({{lang|zh|絃[[wiktionary:膠|膠]]), ({{lang|zh|上音牌琴弦}}) Shangyin Shanghai Conservatorie Quality Qin Strings (metal-nylon), ({{lang|zh|虎丘古琴絃}}) Huqiu Silk Strings]]
Until recently, the guqin's strings were always made of various thicknesses of twisted [[silk]], but since then most players use modern nylon-flatwound [[steel]] strings. This was partly due to the scarcity of high-quality silk strings and partly due to the newer strings' greater durability and louder tone.

Silk strings are made by gathering a prescribed number of strands of silk thread, then twisting them tightly together. The twisted cord of strings is then wrapped around a frame and immersed in a vat of liquid composed of a special mixture of natural [[glue]] that binds the strands together. The strings are taken out and left to dry, before being cut into the appropriate length. The top thicker strings (i.e. strings one to four) are further wrapped in a thin silk thread, coiled around the core to make it smoother. According to ancient manuals, there are three distinctive gauges of thickness that one can make the strings. The first is ''taigu''<ref>{{lang|zh|〖太古〗}}</ref> [Great Antiquity] which is the standard gauge, the ''zhongqing''<ref>{{lang|zh|〖中清〗}}</ref> [Middle Clarity] is thinner, whilst the ''jiazhong''<ref>{{lang|zh|〖加重〗}}</ref> [Added Thickness] is thicker. According to the ''Yugu Zhai Qinpu'', ''zhongqing'' is the best. The currently used silk string gauge standard was defined by Suzhou silk string maker Pan Guohui ({{lang|zh|潘國輝}}).

Although most contemporary players use nylon-wrapped metal strings, some argue that nylon-wrapped metal strings cannot replace silk strings for their refinement of tone. Additionally, nylon-wrapped metal strings can cause damage to the wood of old qins. Many traditionalists feel that the sound of the fingers of the left hand sliding on the strings to be a distinctive feature of qin music. The modern nylon-wrapped metal strings were very smooth in the past, but are now slightly modified in order to capture these sliding sounds.

Around 2007, a new type of strings were produced made of mostly a nylon core coiled with nylon like the metal-nylon strings, possibly in imitation of Western [[catgut]] strings.<ref>[http://www.silkqin.com/03qobj.htm#naganewsilk John Thompson: Misuse of the words "silk strings"]</ref> The sound is similar to the metal-nylon strings but without the metallic tone to them (one of the main reasons why traditionalists do not like the metal-nylon strings). The nylon strings can be tuned to standard pitch without breaking and can sustain their tuning whatever the climate, unlike silk. The strings have various names in China, but they are advertised as sounding like silk strings prior to the 1950s, when silk string production stopped.

Traditionally, the strings were wrapped around the goose feet,<ref>{{lang|zh|『[[wiktionary:雁|雁]] [[wiktionary:足|足]]}}』</ref><ref>Gong, Yi. ''Guqin Yanzhoufa'' {{lang|zh|【古琴演奏法】}}. Page 11 and 13.</ref> but a device has been invented, which is a block of wood attached to the goose feet, with pins similar to those used to tune the [[guzheng]] protruding out at the sides, so one can string and tune the qin using a tuning [[wrench]].

==Tuning==
[[File:Tuning key for qin (guqin, stringed instrument), China, Han dynasty, 201 BC to 221 AD, gilded bronze - Östasiatiska museet, Stockholm - DSC09663.JPG|thumb|A tuning key for the guqin from the Han dynasty, collection of the [[Östasiatiska Museet]], Stockholm, Sweden]]
{{Main|Guqin tunings}}

To string a guqin, one traditionally had to tie a fly's head knot (''yingtou jie''<ref>『{{lang|zh|[[wiktionary:蠅|蠅]] [[wiktionary:頭|頭]] [[wiktionary:結|結]]/蝇头结}}』</ref>) at one end of the string, and slip the string through the twisted cord (''rongkou''<ref>{{lang|zh|『[[wiktionary:絨|絨]] [[wiktionary:剅|剅]]/绒扣}}』</ref>) which goes into holes at the head of the qin and then out the bottom through the [[tuning peg]]s (''zhen''<ref>{{lang|zh|『[[wiktionary:軫|軫]]/轸}}』</ref>). The string is dragged over the bridge (''yueshan'' {{lang|zh|『岳山}}』), across the surface board, over the nut (''longyin''<ref>{{lang|zh|『龍齦}}』</ref> dragon gums) to the back of the qin, where the end is wrapped around one of two legs (''fengzu''<ref>{{lang|zh|『鳳足』}}</ref> "phoenix feet" or ''yanzu''<ref>{{lang|zh|『雁足』}}</ref> "geese feet"). Afterwards, the strings are fine-tuned using the tuning pegs (sometimes, [[rosin]] is used on the part of the tuning peg that touches the qin body to stop it from slipping, especially if the qin is tuned to higher pitches). The most common tuning, "zheng diao" {{lang|zh|〈正調〉}}, is [[pentatonic]]: '''5 6''' 1 2 3 5 6 (which can be also played as '''1 2 4 5 6''' 1 2) in the traditional Chinese number system or [[jianpu]]<ref>{{lang|zh|〔簡譜/简谱〕}}</ref> (i.e. 1=do, 2=re, etc.). Today this is generally interpreted to mean C D F G A c d, but this should be considered '''sol la do re mi''' sol la, since historically the qin was not tuned to absolute pitch. Other tunings are achieved by adjusting the tension of the strings using the tuning pegs at the head end. Thus ''manjiao diao''<ref>{{lang|zh|〈慢角調〉}}</ref> ("slackened third string") gives '''1 2 3 5 6''' 1 2 and ''ruibin diao''<ref>{{lang|zh|〈蕤賔調/蕤宾调〉}}</ref> ("raised fifth string") gives '''1 2 4 5 7''' 1 2, which is transposed to '''2 3 5 6''' 1 2 3.

==Playing context==
[[File:Qin player-MG 18914-IMG 8639-gradient.jpg|thumb|Rock carving of a [[bodhisattva]] playing a guqin, found in [[Shanxi]], [[Northern Wei]] dynasty (386–534)]]
The guqin is nearly always played as a [[solo (music)|solo]] instrument since its quietness of tone means that it cannot compete with the sounds of most other instruments or an [[Musical ensemble|ensemble]]. It can, however, be played together with a ''[[xiao (flute)|xiao]]'' (end-blown bamboo flute), with other qin, or played while singing. In old times, the ''[[se (instrument)|se]]'' (a long zither with movable bridges and 25 strings) was frequently used in duets with the qin. However, the ''se'' has not survived, though duet tablature scores for the instruments are preserved in a few ''qinpu'', and the master qin player Wu Jinglüe was one of only a few in the twentieth century who knew how to play it together with qin in duet. Lately there has been a trend to use other instruments to accompany the qin, such as the ''[[xun (instrument)|xun]]'' (ceramic ocarina), ''[[pipa]]'' (four-stringed pear-shaped lute), ''[[dizi (instrument)|dizi]]'' (transverse bamboo flute), and others for more experimental purposes.

In order for an instrument to accompany the qin, its sound must be mellow and not overwhelm the qin. Thus, the ''xiao'' generally used for this purpose is one pitched in the [[key (music)|key]] of F, known as ''qin xiao'' 「{{lang|zh|琴簫」}}, which is narrower than an ordinary ''xiao''. If one sings to qin songs (which is rare nowadays) then one should not sing in an [[opera]]tic or [[folk music|folk style]] as is common in China, but rather in a very low pitched and deep way; and the range in which one should sing should not exceed one and a half octaves. The style of singing is similar to that used to recite [[Shi (poetry)|Tang poetry]]. In order fully to appreciate qin songs, one needs to become accustomed to the eccentric singing style adopted by certain players of the instrument, such as Zha Fuxi.

Traditionally, the qin was played in a quiet [[studio]] or [[room (architecture)|room]] by oneself, or with a few friends; or played outdoors in places of outstanding natural beauty. Nowadays, many qin players perform at [[concert]]s in large concert halls, almost always, out of necessity, using electronic pickups or [[microphones]] to amplify the sound. Many qin players attend [[List of guqin societies|yaji]]s, at which a number of qin players, music lovers, or anyone with an interest in [[Chinese culture]] can come along to discuss and play the qin. In fact, the yaji originated as a [[multi-media]] gathering involving the [[Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar|four arts]]: qin, [[Go (board game)|Go]], [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphy]], and [[Chinese painting|painting]].

===Ritual use of the qin===
[[File:Ch'en Hung-shou 002.jpg|thumb|A painting by [[Chen Hongshou]] of a person with a qin]]
Being an instrument associated with scholars, the guqin was also played in a ritual context, especially in ''[[yayue]]'' in China, and ''[[aak]]'' in Korea.

The [[National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts]] continues to perform [[Munmyo jeryeak]] (Confucian ritual music), using the last two surviving ''aak'' melodies from the importation of yayue from the [[Song dynasty]] emperor [[Song Huizong|Huizong]] in 1116, including in the ensemble the ''seul'' (se) and ''geum'' ({{lang|ko|금}}; qin). The Korean ''geum'' used in this context has evolved to be slightly different when compared to the normal ''qin'' in that there are 14 instead of 13 ''hui'' and that they are not placed correctly according to the harmonic positions besides other different construction features. The finger techniques are more closer to ''gayageum'' technique than it is to the complex ones of the qin. As the qin never gained a following in Korean society, the ritual ''geum'' became the fossilised form of it and to all intents and purposes unplayable for a qin player. The Korean scholars never adopted the qin but instead created their own instrument, the ''[[geomungo]]'' ({{lang|ko|玄琴}}), which adopted much of the qin's lore and aesthetics and essentially taking the qin's place as the scholars' instrument.

In China, the qin was still in use in ritual ceremonies of the imperial court, such can be seen in the court paintings of imperial sacrifices of the Qing court (e.g. ''The Yongzheng Emperor Offering Sacrifices at the Altar of the God of Agriculture'',<ref>{{lang|zh|《雍正祭先農壇圖》}}</ref> 1723–35).<ref>Rawski, E. Evelyn & Rawson, Jessica (ed.). CHINA: The Three Emperors 1662—1795. Pages 117, 126 and 127.</ref> The qin also have many variations with a different number of strings, such as during [[Song Taizong]]'s reign, but these variations never survived the changes of dynasty and so today the normal qin is used.

In Japan, the qin was never adopted into ritual music, but for a time in the late [[Edo period]] the qin was adopted by some scholars and Buddhist monks. The guqin was later adjusted and adopted into general Japanese folk music as the [[Koto (instrument)|Koto]] ({{lang|ja|琴}}).

===Qin aesthetics===
{{main|Guqin aesthetics}}

When the qin is played, a number of [[aesthetic]] elements are involved. The first is [[musicality]]. In the second section of "Pingsha Luoyan", for example, the initial few bars contain a ''nao'' [[vibrato]] followed by a phase of sliding up and down the string, even when the sound has already become inaudible ({{Audio|PSLY clip.ogg|Listen carefully to the sliding sounds of ''Pingsha Luoyan''}}). The average person trained in music may question whether this is really "[[music]]". Normally, some players would pluck the string very lightly to create a very quiet sound. For some players, this plucking isn't necessary. Instead of trying to force a sound out of the strings one should allow the strings to emit the sounds to which they are naturally predisposed. Some players say that the sliding on the string even when the sound has disappeared is a distinctive feature in qin music. It creates a "space" or "void" in a piece, playing without playing, sound without sound. In fact, when the viewer looks at the player sliding on the string without sounds, the viewer automatically "fills in the notes" with their minds. This creates a connection between player, instrument and listener. This, of course, cannot happen when listening to a recording, as one cannot see the performer. It can also be seen as impractical in recording, as the player would want to convey sound as much as possible towards a third audience. But in fact, there is sound, the sound coming from the fingers sliding on the string. With a really good qin, silk strings, and a perfectly quiet environment, all the tones can be sounded. Since the music is more player-oriented than listener oriented, and the player knows the music, he/she can hear it even if the sound is not there. With silk strings, the sliding sound might be called the [[qi]] or "life force" of the music. The really empty sounds are the pauses between notes. However, if one cannot create a sound that can be heard when sliding on a string, it is generally acceptable to lightly pluck the string to create a very quiet sound.<ref>[http://www.ukchinesemusic.com/londonyoulanqin/yaji_20040905.htm London Youlan Qin Society (2004) Yaji 5 September 2004], 29 July 2006</ref>

==In popular culture==
[[File:Hero guqin.jpg|thumb|left|Xu Kuanghua playing an ancient qin in the film ''Hero'']]
As a symbol of high culture, the qin continually appears in many forms of Chinese popular culture to varying degrees of accuracy. References are made to the qin in a variety of media including TV episodes and films. Actors often possess limited knowledge on how to play the instrument and instead, they mime it to a pre-recorded piece by a Qin player. Sometimes the music is erroneously mimed to [[guzheng]] music, rather than qin music. A more faithful representation of the qin is in the [[Zhang Yimou]] film ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'', in which Xu Kuanghua plays an ancient version of the qin in the courtyard scene<ref>china.org.cn (2003) Guqin Master Xu Kuanghua (http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/55853.htm, 10 January 2009)</ref> while Nameless and Long Sky fight at a [[Xiangqi]] parlour. It mimed the music played by Liu Li, formerly a professor at the [[Central Conservatory of Music]] in Beijing.<ref>china.org.cn (2002) Composer Achieves Goal with 'Hero' Score (http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/51029.htm, 29 July 2006)</ref> It is suggested that Xu made the qin himself.<ref>[http://www.chinainfotravel.com/Guqin_Master_Xu_Kuanghua_1104.htm China Info Travel] (2002) Guqin Master Xu Kuanghua (29 July 2006) {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060725171951/http://www.chinainfotravel.com/Guqin_Master_Xu_Kuanghua_1104.htm |date=25 July 2006 }}</ref>

The qin was also featured in the [[2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony]] in [[Beijing]], played by Chen Leiji ({{lang|zh|陳雷激}}).

The qin is also used in many classical Chinese novels, such as [[Cao Xueqin]]'s ''[[Dream of the Red Chamber]]'' and various others.

The qin is also used in many contemporary Chinese novels, notably the 2016 novel ''[[Mo Dao Zu Shi]]'', as well as the 2019 live-action series adaptation, ''[[The Untamed (TV series)|The Untamed]]'', in which the qin is used as a spiritual tool of protagonist Lan Wangji. Behind-the-scenes footage of the production of the series revealed that several actors were given qin lessons prior to filming to prepare them for their roles as characters that played the instrument.

==Electric guqin==
The electric guqin was first developed in the late 20th century by adding electric guitar–style magnetic pickups to a regular acoustic guqin, allowing the instrument to be amplified through an instrument amplifier or PA system.

==Related instruments==
The Japanese [[ichigenkin]], a [[monochord]] zither, is believed to be derived from the qin. The qin handbook ''Lixing Yuanya'' (1618<ref>{{lang|zh|【理性元雅】}}</ref>) includes some melodies for a one-string qin, and the ''Wuzhi Zhai Qinpu'' contains a picture and description of such an instrument.<ref>Zhou, Zi'an. ''Wuzhi Zhai Qinpu'' {{lang|zh|【五知齋琴譜】}}. Volume 1, folio 2, leaf 10.</ref> The modern ichigenkin apparently first appeared in Japan just after that time. However, the ''honkyoku''<ref>〔{{lang|ja|本曲}}〕</ref> (standard repertoire) of the ichigenkin today most closely resembles that of the [[shamisen]].

The Korean ''[[geomungo]]'' may also be related, albeit distantly. Korean literati wanted to play an instrument the way their Chinese counterparts played the qin. The repertoire was largely the ''geomungo'' parts for melodies played by the court orchestra.

==See also==
{{Portal|China|Music}}
* [[Contemporary guqin players]]
* [[Guqin aesthetics]]
* [[Guqin construction]]
* [[Guqin playing technique]]
* [[Guqin schools]]
* [[Guqin tunings]]
* [[Koto (instrument)|Koto]]
* [[List of Chinese musical instruments]]
* [[Qinpu]]
* [[Se (instrument)|Se]]
* [[Yayue]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
{{Further|List of guqin literature}}
=== In Chinese ===
*Zha, Fuxi (1958). ''Cunjian Guqin Qupu Jilan'' {{lang|zh|【存見古琴曲譜輯覽】}}. Beijing: The People's Music Press. {{ISBN|7-103-02379-4}}.
*Gong, Yi (1999). ''Guqin Yanzoufa'' {{lang|zh|【古琴演奏法】}}; 2nd ed., rev. inc. 2 CDs. Shanghai: Shanghai Educational Press. {{ISBN|7-5320-6621-5}}
*Yin, Wei (2001). ''Zhongguo Qinshi Yanyi'' {{lang|zh|【中國琴史演義】}}. Yunnan: People's Press of Yunnan. {{ISBN|7-222-03206-1}}/I‧866
*Guo, Ping (2006). ''Guqin Congtan'' {{lang|zh|【古琴叢談】}}. Jinan: Shandong Book Press. {{ISBN|7-80713-209-4}}

==== Qinpu ====
{{See also|List of qinpu}}
*Zhu, Quan (1425, 2001). ''Shenqi Mipu'' {{lang|zh|【神奇秘譜】}}. Beijing: Cathay Bookshop. {{ISBN|7-80568-973-3}}/J‧284
*Zhou, Zi'an (1722, 2000). ''Wuzhi Zhai Qinpu'' {{lang|zh|【五知齋琴譜】}}. Beijing: Cathay Bookshop. {{ISBN|7-80568-864-8}}/J‧237
*Zhang, He (1864, 1998). ''Qinxue Rumen'' {{lang|zh|【琴學入門】}}. Beijing: Cathay Bookshop. {{ISBN|7-80568-865-6}}/J‧236
*Yang, Zongji (1910–1931, 1996). ''Qinxue Congshu'' {{lang|zh|【琴學叢書】}}. Beijing: Cathay Bookshop. {{ISBN|7-80568-552-5}}/I‧139
*Zhang Yushu et al. (1921). ''Kangxi Zidian'' {{lang|zh|【康熙字典】}}. Shanghai: Shanghai Old Books Distribution Place.

=== In English ===
*Parabola, Vol XXIII, No. 2, Summer 1998, pp 56–62: J. L. Walker "No Need to Listen! A Conversation Between Sun Yu-ch'in and J. L. Walker"
*Gulik, Robert Hans van (1940, 1969). ''The Lore of the Chinese Lute''. 2nd ed., rev. Rutland, Vt., and Tokyo: Charles Tuttle and Sophia University; Monumenta Nipponica. {{ISBN|0-8048-0869-4}}
*Lieberman, Fredric (1983). ''A Chinese Zither Tutor: The Mei-an Ch'in-p'u''. Trans. and commentary. Washington and Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. {{ISBN|0-295-95941-X}}
*Yung, Bell (2008). ''The Last of China's Literati: The Music, Poetry and Life of Tsar The-yun''. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. {{ISBN|978-962-209-916-6}}
*Gulik, Robert Hans van (2011). ''The Lore of the Chinese Lute''. 3rd ed. Bangkok: Orchid Press.
*Rawski, E. Evelyn & Rawson, Jessica (ed.) (2005). ''CHINA: The Three Emperors 1662—1795''. London: Royal Academy of Arts. {{ISBN|1-903973-69-4}}

==External links==
{{Wiktionary|guqin}}
{{commons}}
*[http://www.silkqin.com John Thompson's on the ''Guqin'' Silk String Zither] A host of information on the qin and silk strings for qins in English, including extensive study of Shenqi Mipu and analysis of playing style, plus useful section on qin sources
*[http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mqin/hd_mqin.htm The Qin] on the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, [[The Metropolitan Museum of Art]]
*[https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/archived/intothemusic/silk-on-wood/3195740 Silk on Wood] A Feature Radio Documentary by [[Robert Iolini]] about the Silk String Qin and Madame [[Tsar Teh-Yun]]. The website includes online video performances by the Deyin Qin Society of Hong Kong.
*[http://www.peiyouqin.com/ Chinese Guqin and Notation] Judy (Pei-You) Chang's very detailed and well illustrated site explaining fingering techniques, including sections on structure, forms and various information
*[http://www.wdl.org/en/item/297 A Complete Study of the Chinese Zither] from 1670
*[https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1573446596541481&wfr=spider&for=pc Chinese Guqin cliques and where they originated] A specific analysis of most Guqin cliques and play styles, also have some analysis about their originations
*[https://zhidao.baidu.com/question/308817959.html Period table of Chinese dynasties] A timetable of different Chinese dynasty to help people understand the period of Guqin History
*[http://www.soundofasia.com/guqin.html Guqin Store page] A Guqin store website page in LA
{{Qin list}}
{{Traditional Chinese musical instruments}}
{{Instrument tunings}}
{{UNESCO Oral and Intangible music}}

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