The plucked stringed instruments are used to a great extent in a Chinese traditional orchestra. There are many plucked stringed instruments compared to a western orchestra. There may be more types of plucked stringed instruments in China than any other country in the world. This is due to a long history and broad development of this instrument family. Musical scores that have survived from ancient times also favor plucked stringed instruments.
Plucked stringed instruments are played by using a pick or finger nails to pluck the strings. The Yangqin is an exception which is played by using a pair of hammers to strike the strings. It is categorised as a member of the plucked stringed instrument probably because of its location on stage and its musical effects which are similar to other familiar members.
The sound of plucked stringed instruments is lively and attractive. They can be performed in the forms of solo, ensemble or in an orchestra.
The popular plucked stringed section consists of Pipa, Liuqin, Yueqin, Ruan, Sanxian, Guqin, Guzheng, Duxianqin, Yangqin etc.
