Strings
Erhu
The Erhu is also known as the “Chinese violin”, and is found in almost every Chinese orchestra, but is also played in small ensembles or as a solo instrument, as it has a exceptional range of tonal expression. The construction is lightweight and delicate. The small resonating chamber is hexagonal and covered with skin (usually snake). The neck is merely a thin stick with two tuning pegs. The Erhu has only two strings and the hair of the light bow is placed in between them. Thus the strings are played with each movement of the bow. The instrument is played sitting down, placed on the top of the left thigh. The strings are usually tuned to a fifth: to D and A. The notes are produced with an underhand grip.
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