6 Essential Tips for Mastering the Erhu

Erhu playing in traditional Chinese music

Delving into the captivating world of Chinese traditional music, the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument, beckons beginners and music enthusiasts alike to embark on a harmonious journey. Its hauntingly beautiful melodies and expressive vibrato have captivated audiences for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets of playing the erhu, empowering you to unlock its enchanting potential and bring its enchanting tunes to life.

Before embarking on this musical odyssey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the erhu’s unique anatomy. The instrument consists of a wooden body, adorned with a snakeskin soundboard that resonates with the vibrations of the strings. Two strings, tuned in unison an octave apart, stretch from the tuning pegs at the top of the neck to the tailpiece at the base of the body. Holding the erhu vertically, your left hand nimbly navigates the strings to produce notes, while your right hand gracefully wields the bow, drawing forth the instrument’s plaintive cries and soaring melodies.

To initiate your erhu playing adventure, begin by establishing a comfortable posture. Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor, ensuring that your left leg supports the base of the instrument. Position the erhu on your left leg, resting the soundboard against your inner thigh. With your right hand, hold the bow perpendicular to the strings, close to the bridge. Your left hand, adorned with finger picks, gently presses on the strings, adjusting their tension to produce different pitches. As you draw the bow back and forth across the strings, immerse yourself in the erhu’s enchanting melodies, letting its haunting sounds transport you to a realm of musical enchantment.

Selecting the Right Erhu

Selecting the right erhu is crucial for a rewarding playing experience. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:

Body Material

The body of an erhu is typically made of hardwood, such as rosewood or sandalwood. The type of wood used affects the overall sound quality, durability, and aesthetics of the instrument. Rosewood erhus are highly prized for their rich and resonant tone, while sandalwood erhus offer a warmer and more mellow sound.

Soundboard Material

The soundboard is the thin piece of wood that covers the erhu’s soundhole. It is responsible for amplifying and shaping the sound produced by the strings. Common soundboard materials include snake skin, Python skin, and paulownia wood. Snake skin soundboards produce a bright and piercing tone, while Python skin soundboards offer a more mellow and balanced sound. Paulownia wood soundboards are known for their warmth and resonance.

String Type

Erhus traditionally use silk or nylon strings. Silk strings produce a softer and more traditional sound, while nylon strings offer a brighter and more modern tone. The thickness and tension of the strings also affect the overall sound quality and playability of the erhu.

Material	Sound Characteristics
Rosewood	Rich, resonant tone
Sandalwood	Warm, mellow sound
Snake Skin	Bright, piercing tone
Python Skin	Mellow, balanced sound
Paulownia Wood	Warm, resonant sound
Silk Strings	Soft, traditional sound
Nylon Strings	Bright, modern sound

Mastering the Erhu Bow

Playing the erhu requires a specialized bowing technique. Here are some tips to enhance your bowing skills:

1. Proper Grip

Hold the bow firmly but gently between your thumb and forefinger. The bow should rest on the first knuckle of your forefinger and balance delicately on your thumb.

2. Bowing Techniques

**a) Smooth and Constant Motion:** Aim for a consistent and fluid bowing motion, with minimal jerky or abrupt transitions.
**b) Bow Placement:** Position the bow parallel to the strings, slightly above the middle. Avoid digging into the strings or hovering too far above them.
**c) Bow Pressure:** Vary the pressure exerted by the bow to create different dynamics and expressiveness. Experiment with light, medium, and strong pressure to achieve desired sound effects.
**d) Wrist Action:** Keep your wrist relaxed and allow it to rotate naturally as you bow. Avoid using excessive wrist force, as this can lead to tension and fatigue.
**e) Finger Placement:** Spread your fingers evenly along the bow, with your index finger acting as the primary guide for the direction and motion.

3. Maintenance and Care

Regularly rosin the bow hair to maintain grip and prevent slipping. Store the bow in a case with adequate moisture to prevent warping or cracking.

Positioning and Holding the Erhu

1. Body Position: Sit comfortably with your left leg extended forward and your right leg bent at a 90-degree angle, resting on a footstool. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.

2. Holding the Erhu: Hold the neck of the erhu with your left hand, with the middle and ring fingers curled around the fingerboard. Keep your thumb on the back of the neck for support and your index finger free to pluck the strings.

3. Right-Hand Position: The bow is held in your right hand, with the thumb resting on the rosined horsehair and the other fingers wrapped around the stick. The bow is held parallel to the strings, slightly behind the bridge.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the right-hand position:

Right-Hand Bowing Technique

Finger	Position	Role
Thumb	On the rosined horsehair	Controls the bow’s tension
Index finger	Curved around the bow	Provides support and stability
Middle finger	Curved around the bow	Assists in controlling the bow’s movement
Ring finger	Curved around the bow	Provides additional support
Little finger	Rests on the stick	Provides stability and balance

Learning Basic Fingerings

The erhu is primarily played with four fingers: the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky. Each finger is assigned a specific position on the strings, which are color-coded for easier reference.

Index finger

The index finger plays on the red string, which is the thicker of the two. It can produce two notes: the open string, played by simply plucking the string without touching it, and the first finger note, played by placing the finger close to the bridge.

Middle finger

The middle finger plays on the green string, which is the thinner of the two. It produces three notes: the open string, the first finger note (played similarly to the index finger), and the second finger note, played by placing the finger slightly further down the string.

Ring finger

The ring finger plays on the green string and can produce two notes: the third finger note, played by placing the finger close to the nut, and the fourth finger note, played by placing the finger slightly further down the string. The ring finger is used less frequently than the other fingers.

Pinky

The pinky is used only occasionally on the green string to play the highest note, the fifth finger note.

Developing Bow Techniques

Mastering bow techniques is essential for producing expressive and nuanced sounds on the erhu. Here are five key aspects to consider:

1. Bow Position and Grip

Hold the bow comfortably and securely using a “neutral bow hold.” The thumb rests slightly above the frog, while the index finger and middle finger cradle the bow at the middle. Keep the wrist relaxed and flexible.

2. Bow Pressure and Speed

Adjust bow pressure and speed to create different sounds. Light pressure produces softer, more ethereal tones, while heavier pressure creates louder, more robust sounds. Vary the bow speed to control the pace and articulation of the music.

3. Bow Placement

The placement of the bow on the string affects the resulting sound. Bowing closer to the bridge produces brighter and more piercing tones, while bowing closer to the fingerboard creates warmer and mellower tones.

4. Bow Vibrato

By gently oscillating the bow back and forth, you can create a vibrant and expressive vibrato effect. The speed and intensity of the oscillation can be adjusted to suit different musical styles.

5. Advanced Bow Techniques

Once you have mastered the basics, you can explore advanced bow techniques to enhance your playing. These include:

Technique	Description
Staccato	Short, detached strokes that produce a crisp and percussive sound.
Spiccato	Bouncy strokes that create a lively and rhythmic effect.
Tremolo	A rapid and continuous oscillation of the bow that produces a shimmering or pulsating sound.

Practice Strategies for Improvement

6. Develop a Consistent Practice Routine

Establishing a consistent practice schedule is crucial for steady progress. Allocate a specific time each day for dedicated practice. The ideal practice duration varies based on individual skill level and goals. Beginners may start with 30-minute sessions, while advanced players may practice for longer durations. Regular practice fosters muscle memory and strengthens finger coordination, leading to noticeable improvements.

Here’s a suggested practice schedule for different skill levels:

Skill Level	Practice Duration	Frequency
Beginner	30-45 minutes	Daily
Intermediate	45-60 minutes	4-5 times per week
Advanced	60+ minutes	5-6 times per week

Exploring Traditional Erhu Repertoire

The erhu boasts a rich and diverse repertoire of traditional pieces, each with its unique origins and cultural significance. Here are a few notable examples:

Erquan Yingyue (Moonlit Birds on the Spring River)

This iconic piece is perhaps the most famous erhu solo, known for its haunting melody and evocative portrayal of a moonlit night on the river. It evokes images of birds singing amidst gentle ripples.

Zhuang Zhou Meng Die (Zhuangzi Dreams of Butterflies)

Based on a famous Chinese fable, this piece narrates the philosopher Zhuangzi’s dream of transforming into a butterfly. Its ethereal melodies and intricate ornamentation capture the essence of surrealism.

Hong Yan (Ode to the Red Cliff)

This piece was inspired by a famous poem by Su Shi and evokes the grandeur and historical significance of the Red Cliff on the Yangtze River. Its sweeping melodies and fiery rhythms convey the epic nature of the battle.

Jiangnan Sizhu (Music of Southern Jiangsu)

This suite of pieces originates from the Jiangsu province and features intricate harmonies and rhythmic variations. It showcases the diversity of erhu techniques and offers a glimpse into the region’s musical heritage.

Lianhua Cao (Lotus Root)

This playful piece imitates the sounds of a vendor selling lotus roots on the streets. Its cheerful melody and lively rhythm evoke a vibrant street scene.

Xiao Erhei (Little Blacksmith)

This folk tune from Shandong province depicts the life of a blacksmith. Its hammering rhythms and expressive melodies convey the toil and determination of a skilled craftsman.

Liu Xing Lie Huo (Meteor Shower)

This modern composition takes inspiration from the ethereal beauty of a meteor shower. Its shimmering melodies and virtuosic passages demonstrate the erhu’s versatility and ability to convey contemporary themes.

Improvisation and Ornamentation

Improvisation and ornamentation are integral aspects of Erhu performance that allow musicians to express their creativity and add personal touches to their music. These techniques can range from simple embellishments to elaborate improvisational sections.

Improvisation:

Cadenza: Extended improvisational passages often performed at the end of a piece to showcase the musician’s technical skill and musicality.
Ornamentation: Small, melodic embellishments added to a piece’s basic structure, such as trills, turns, and slides.

Ornamentation:

Ornaments are common in Erhu music and serve to embellish melodies and add expressive depth. Some common types of ornaments include:

Type	Description
Hua Yin	Grace notes played before or after a main note
Sheng Yin	Vibrato or oscillations added to a note
Yi Yin	Rapidly repeated notes, creating a tremolo effect
Tiao Yin	Grace notes or slides played in between two notes
Rou Yin	Slurs or legato transitions between notes

Both improvisation and ornamentation require a strong grasp of Erhu technique and musical theory. By incorporating these techniques into their playing, musicians can enhance the emotional impact of their performances and create unique and captivating interpretations of traditional and contemporary music.

Bowing Techniques

The bow, made of wood or bamboo, is held with a slight underhand grip, with the thumb on the underside and the other fingers resting on top. The left hand manipulates the strings to produce different notes and techniques.

Left Hand Fingering Techniques

The left hand fingers are used to stop the strings at different positions to obtain different pitches. The thumb is placed behind the neck to provide support and balance the pressure.

Vibrato and Ornaments

Vibrato, a characteristic effect of the erhu, is created by a slight oscillation of the left hand on the strings. Ornaments, such as slides, trills, and bends, add expressive flourishes to the melodies.

Playing Positions

The erhu can be played in two primary positions: sitting with the instrument resting on the leg, or standing with it held vertically.

Notation and Scales

Erhu music is traditionally notated using Chinese characters called jianpu. Scales and melodies often incorporate microtones, giving the music a distinctive and expressive sound.

Ensemble and Accompaniment

The erhu is often played as part of an ensemble with other instruments, such as the pipa, guzheng, or yangqin. It can also be accompanied by percussion instruments.

Performance Techniques and Etiquette

Maintain proper posture and hand position.
Use a light and controlled bow stroke.
Avoid excessive vibrato or ornaments.
Respect the instrument and handle it with care.
Tune the instrument before each performance.
Be mindful of the stage presence and appearance.
Communicate effectively with ensemble members.
Follow the conductor’s instructions.
Show gratitude to the audience and other musicians.

Tuning the Erhu

To tune the erhu, you’ll need a tuner or a tuning fork. First, loosen the strings by turning the tuning pegs counterclockwise. Then, pluck the strings and adjust the tuning pegs until the strings are in tune with the desired pitch.

Changing the Strings

As you play the erhu, the strings will wear out and need to be replaced. To change the strings, first loosen the tuning pegs and remove the old strings. Then, thread the new strings through the holes in the bridge and tie them to the tuning pegs. Finally, tune the new strings as described above.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Erhu

Cleaning the Erhu

The erhu should be regularly cleaned to remove dust and dirt. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the body and strings. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the erhu.

Oiling the Erhu

The erhu should be oiled periodically to protect the wood and keep it from drying out. Use a light oil, such as almond oil or linseed oil, and apply it to the body of the erhu with a soft cloth. Do not oil the strings or the bridge.

Storing the Erhu

When not in use, the erhu should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the erhu in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the wood.

Common Erhu Problems and Solutions

Here are some common erhu problems and how to solve them:

Problem	Solution
The strings are too loose.	Tighten the tuning pegs.
The strings are too tight.	Loosen the tuning pegs.
The strings are buzzing.	Adjust the position of the bridge.
The erhu is not playing in tune.	Retune the erhu.

How To Play Erhu

The erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument that is played vertically. It is one of the most popular instruments in Chinese music and is often used in traditional Chinese orchestras. The erhu has a beautiful, mellow sound that is perfect for expressing a wide range of emotions.

If you are interested in learning how to play the erhu, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to purchase an erhu. You can find erhus for sale online or at music stores. Once you have an erhu, you will need to learn how to hold it and how to bow it.

There are many resources available online that can teach you how to play the erhu. You can also find erhu lessons from private teachers. With a little practice, you will be able to play beautiful music on the erhu.