Post by yopparai on Aug 2, 2006 17:12:02 GMT
Lets start by pointing out that I know absolutely nothing about pipa, at least I didn't until yesterday evening. Yesterday I hit random play on my media player and the first thing that came out was "Folk Dance of the Li" It really grabbed me. The sound instantly reminded me of the sound of my fretless banjo. And the instant that thought hit, I knew I was doomed to attempt it.
David (davidmdahl) very graciously corrected my misconception as to what the instrument was and so that led me here. I spent the evening scouring the net for information and watched a few videos of people playing the pipa. I can't say it was encouraging. I watched the fingers on the right hand as their motion became a blur. What has my Muse done to me?
To the point, could someone describe for me the most elementary way to execute that rapid repeated striking of the same string? I think the term is lun? If there is a variant that involves plucking the strings in a motion more familiar to a Western banjo and guitar player, that might be more accessible for me than the back of the nails brush I watched in the clips with mouth agape and disbelief.
Also, what is the distance between the strings at the bridge on a pipa and the height of the strings above the body of the instrument? It looked a bit wider than my banjo, which makes sense with all those fingers flying around. I may have to make me a bridge before attempting to learn the techniques.
I think all those banjo people that talk about the banjo being a difficult instrument should be forced to learn pipa.
Any information y'all can provide will be most appreciated.
Yopp
David (davidmdahl) very graciously corrected my misconception as to what the instrument was and so that led me here. I spent the evening scouring the net for information and watched a few videos of people playing the pipa. I can't say it was encouraging. I watched the fingers on the right hand as their motion became a blur. What has my Muse done to me?
To the point, could someone describe for me the most elementary way to execute that rapid repeated striking of the same string? I think the term is lun? If there is a variant that involves plucking the strings in a motion more familiar to a Western banjo and guitar player, that might be more accessible for me than the back of the nails brush I watched in the clips with mouth agape and disbelief.
Also, what is the distance between the strings at the bridge on a pipa and the height of the strings above the body of the instrument? It looked a bit wider than my banjo, which makes sense with all those fingers flying around. I may have to make me a bridge before attempting to learn the techniques.
I think all those banjo people that talk about the banjo being a difficult instrument should be forced to learn pipa.
Any information y'all can provide will be most appreciated.
Yopp
