Koto
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The Koto, a plucked zither, is one of the most important instruments in Japanese music. Its 13 strings stretch lengthwise across the boxlike body ; under each string is a separate, movable bridge. The koto is tuned by changing the position of the bridges. This alters the length of the vibrating part of the string. To play the koto, plectra (pluckers) are worn on the fingers and thumb of your right hand.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| Variable. |
| Material |
| Wooden body, with silk or nylon strings. |
| Size |
| About 6 ft (1.80 m) long, 10 in (25 cm) wide. |
| Origins |
| Like many Japanese instruments, the koto originated in China. It probably arrived in Japan about 1,300 years ago. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| For more than two centuries of Japanese history, only blind men were actually allowed to play the instrument professionally. |
