Description:The dizi is a transverse bamboo flute it is a member of the aerophone family of musical instruments. According to the Chinese system of classicification the dizi is considered one of the major musical instruments in the bamboo category. The dizi is one of the principle instruments played in Chinese folk, classical and opera. In ancient times the dizi was known as “hengchui” or “hengdi”. There are several different accounts to the origins of the dizi. In ancient time the dizi was known as “hengchui” or “hengdi”. During the reign of Emperor Wudi (156 BC –29 March, 87 BC). It is debated whether the dizi may have been imported into the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Archeological digs in the Hubei province have revealed these specimens of dizi were hand carved from bone, they were proven to be quite playable despite their age of 8,000 years. The name “gu di” is applied to the bone flutes. The dizi is a very popular instrument amongst the common people. The dizi is also capable of producing a range of three octaves. The dizi is very popular instrument amongst the common people. In the 21st century the dizi has been introduced into many other broad ranging musical genres ranging from cinema scores, mainstream pop.

The Types of Dizi: The shortest in length for a dizi is called a “bangzi” it is played in the opera of Northern Chinese. There is a dizi that is tuned in a chromatic scale called a “xindi”, this is a recent development. The dizi is capable of producing a range of three octave. Dizi are available in different tunings and sets. Another development in the dizi is the addition of a slide-whistle like mechanism that allows the pitch to be adjusted. The yudi is type of dizi that is traditionally made from jade or recently jadeite. It is a type of dizi that is played by the Naxi people in Yunnan China. However the specimens of the yudi that are made of jade are sought after by collectors, museums and musicians alike. Throughout China yudi are not as common as the the bamboo dizi. There is a simple procedure to see if the flute is made of jade or jadeite. Involving a very small scratch on the side of the flute where it is closed off closest to the blow-hole. A scratch will appear if the mineral is jadeite.

Anatomy of the Dizi: Freshly cut lengths of flexible and strong bamboo are selected usually three nodes. The node closest to t he left side of the bamboo is opened up on the inside. When the bamboo is selected the bamboo nodes are opened with the assistance of a long metal shaft. A piece of cork or wood is inserted just behing the chui kong (mouth hole). This allows for the air to flow outwards in one direction when the dizi is played. Six to seven finger holes are carved into the dizi. Optionally paintining and ornmanetation, or caligraphy are applied onto the dizi. Thread is wrapped around in specific positions on the bamboo to prevent cracks and to keep the flute structurally secure. Then a thin layer of lacquer is applied to the dizi. The node closest to the mo kong (membrane hole) is cut so the piece of bamboo becomes two. Some dizi are fitted with cylindrical brass tubing that are fitted onto the cut ends this allows for portability. In Northern China purple bamboo is used to make dizi, while in the regions of Suzhou and Hangzhou the dizi are made from white bamboo. In Chaozhou, where as the dizi produced southern China are quite slender, lightweight and quieter in tone. Dizi flutes are either made and sold separately or they are sold together in a set. Dizi are capable of playing a full octave and two to three harmonic octaves. Modern dizis are made with a slide-whistle like tuner installed into the flute. A set of Dizi are tuned in a variety of keys from A, B, C, D, E, F and G. The components of the dizi include the chui kong (blow hole) and a mo kong (membrane hole). The mo kong is where the dimo paper is applied by wrapping the dimo into a very thin and tiny ball. Dimo is made from the internal membrane of a specific type of bamboo. Optionally other materials include garlic skin to cigarette papers, dimo is preferred. Moisture is applied to the rim of the mo-kong from squeezing out drops of garlic juice. This helps to keep the dimo paper taut during use.