Yueqin
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The Yueqin, or moon lute, is a short-necked lute from China. Inside its circular body is a fixed, metal tongue. This rattles or buzzes when the yueqin is played and enhances the tone. The yueqin is used to accompany songs, and is popular in small opera ensembles.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| Two-and-a-half octaves. |
| Material |
| ooden body, with silk Strings. |
| Size |
| 23 in (58 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| Short-necked lutes have been played in China since the 5th or 6th century. The yueqin developed from the Chinese ruan. The yueqin is also closely related to the Chinese qinqin. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| The name yueqin divides into yue - meaning "moon" and qin - meaning "stringed instrument," so it is often known as the "moon guitar." |
