Sound of Guzheng Start your Guzheng journey
We're so happy that the Guzheng piques your interest! If you're looking to start, here are some general tips to follow:
Beginner's guide
Listen first
Just like with any other instrument, make sure to listen to the Guzheng so you know what you're signing up for!
Get the instrument
Rent or buy an entry 21-string Guzheng from a trusted site. (See the Guzheng buyer's guide below.)
Learn to pluck
Don't rush it! Your hand position and posture early on matter more than speed or advanced repertoire — mistakes with the fundamentals are super hard to unlearn.
Practice!
Ah yes, the dreaded word: practice. Don't worry, though — this instrument is very fun to learn, and fifteen minutes of practice each day beats one long weekly session.
Choosing your first Guzheng
This is an important step when starting the Guzheng, so make sure to do your research! We have recommended price ranges and trusted brands in our buyer's guide, but the ultimate choice comes down to your preference. (We don't sell Guzhengs — this is just a website dedicated to the instrument.)
Read the buyer's guide →Beginner sheet music (Jianpu)
Most Guzheng players read Jianpu, a numbered notation that's easy to pick up in any language. It's a great place to start reading and learning your first pieces.
Learn about Jianpu ↗Guzheng tuner
Keeping your Guzheng in tune is essential for a beautiful sound. Use our tuner to set all 21 strings by ear or microphone.
Open the tuner →Practice metronome
This is a metronome, a device that helps you stay in time. Choose your BPM (beats per minute), and adjust depending on how fast you want the piece to go. This can be used for all instruments, not just the Guzheng!
Open the metronome →FAQ
Do I need to be able to read Chinese to learn?
Nope! Music is for everyone. Most Guzheng players use Jianpu (numbered notation), which is easy to learn in any language.
Is it hard to learn?
Whether an instrument is "hard to learn" will be subjective to the person learning it. However, like any other instrument, steady practice and time is definitely the most important. Getting frustrated with the Guzheng is totally normal (happens to me too), but don't get disheartened!
Should I buy or rent first?
Either works when you're starting out — renting lets you try before you commit, while buying makes sense once you know you'll stick with it. Just know that the virtual Guzheng is far from the real thing.