Is that zheng?

[yopparai]

I apologize right up front if this is too left field or posted in the wrong place. I was listening to 'Folk Dance of the Li' from the Louis Chen and Friends CD 'Sounds of Silk and Bamboo' I don't play - or have - one of these, but I love the music. What I do play is the banjo... Sorry, I did mention this is left field

This particular song is begging me to work it out on my fretless banjo. The melody is played with a very rapid playing of the note.. Shaking... Yaozhi perhaps? What I wanted to know is how is that accomplished? I don't know if I can translate the technique directly, but It would be nice to know how it is done on the guzheng as a starting point.

And if that hasn't lost everyone, are there any basic beginner lessons/resources on the net for guzheng and urhu?? I have planned to make a urhu and it would probably be good if I can learn to play it once its done.

Thanks for your indulgence.
Yopp

[davidmdahl]

Welcome to our forum Yopp. The tune 'Folk Dance of the Li' from the CD you mentioned is played on a pipa, the pear-shaped lute. The rapid continuous tremolo that I think you are referring to is done using several techniques unique to the pipa, as far as I know, although I know of a Chinese classical guitarist who has transplanted the techniques to the guitar. Perhaps you could adapt them for the banjo.

Check out the following for a description of the pipa and typical techniques. Be sure to check pages 4 and 5.

pgh-net.com/pipa/pipa.pdf

Regarding the two-string violin, the erhu, there is not much on the web in the way of a tutorial other than the short free video on Jiebing Chen's site (www.jiebingchen.com). George Gao's website describes some fee-based down-loadable instructional videos. I have not seen them so I don't know if they are worth recommending. Most everything on VCD and DVD for erhu instruction is in Chinese.

Best wishes,

David

[yopparai]

Thanks a lot! Seeing the pipa and its four strings, I feel I am already at an advantage with my five!

I had a chance after posting to look at the urhu forum and glance at Jiebing Chen's site, but not enough time to download the video. I am off to do that now.

I again thank you for your indulgence and for the information. If I manage to come up with something presentable, I will post a link and share.

Yopp

*edit* Sorry, just had to point out that the standard pipa tuning matches standard banjo tuning, capoed at the 7th fret. */edit*