Description: The Dizi is a transverse flute in who is classified as one of the major instruments of the "bamboo" category of Chinese instruments. There are two schools of thought the first one from official documents from the Han dynasty [206 BC-220 AC]. Suggests the dizi was brought from Central Asia and then incorporated into Chinese Music. The second theory suggests that the dizi originates from the “gu di” a bone flute that dates back since 8,000 years ago (Wang 1989) another discovery made was that the "gu di" are’ quite playable. The “gu di” flutes were discovered at the Zenghou Yi site that dates back to the 5th century BC. Since ancient times the dizi was known as “hengchui” or “hengdi”. The most common sizes of dizi currently exist they are “bangdi” and the “qudi”. Traditionally the dizi can be heard from Chinese folk, classical to opera music. In the 20th century the dizi spread too many genres including cinema scores, popular music and the modern Chinese orchestra.

Anatomy of the Dizi: The dizi is traditionally crafted from bamboo that is cut from particular nodes according to a desired length depending on the key the dizi is tuned in. Originally garlic skin was used for the membrane to cover the sound hole. Garlic juice is applied to the rim of the sound hole and the garlic skin would be applied over. Since garlic skin quite delicate. A thin rice based paper called “dimo” is now preferred.  The design of the dizi is relatively simple as a transverse flute although a unique feature called the “Mo-cong” this feature was invented in the Tang dynasty [618-907 AD] by Liu Xi he named the flute "the seven star holes". The Mo-cong allows the tone of the dizi to travel longer distances and the dimo allows for the characteristic "buzzing" tone. The dimo would be rolled up into a small little ball the grain of the dimo is aligned to the mouth-hole. Many dizi’s include a brass joint that allows for them to be disassembled for portability. Thread is wrapped around the dizi at the ends and in the middle of the key holes to keep the dizi sturdy and more structurally secure.

Playing Techniques: They include "flutter-tonguing" in where the tongue rapidly comes into contact with the mouthpiece on and off. Circular breathing is also employed through the playing of the dizi. The technicalities in learning to the play the dizi are very high, despite how easy the dizi is to learn. Many masterful players show great skill and virtuosity when playing the dizi. The dizi players are quite technical and proficient in their repertoires.

The Types of Dizi: There is a shorter type of dizi called "bangzi" it is played in the Opera of Northern China. A fully chromatic dizi now available is called "xindi". The dizi is also capable of producing a range of three octaves. A set of dizi are commonly made now they are available in a variety of keys.

The Yudi: In Yunnan, China a form of dizi made from jade or jadeite are being revived. These jade or jadeite are popular amongst collectors and is also called "yudi". These are not as common as the bamboo dizi. The quality of real jade can be determined by scratching the surface delicately, real jade will not scratch. On the other hand jadeite does show a scratch and real jade is a much darker green in appearance. 

 

Dizi Tunings  & scales

Pitch
C
D
E
F
G	D-E-F#-G-a-b-c-d
a
b

According to each specimen: The first professional model that I have being the dizi given to me by Randy Raine Reusch is at length from end to end is a total 50cm, and the outer diameter is 2.9cm. The main material for making the dizi is bamboo. For the ornamentation the poetry is also inscribed into the instrument. This specimen and its standard relatives the dizi has 6 finger holes, the dizi often has 4 extra sound holes in which they are not played.