Description: The liuyeqin often shortened to liuqin is a small tear dropped shape lute and a member of the chordophone family from China. The liuyeqin has up to 15 raised bamboo frets. The meaning of the name liuyeqin comes from two words “liuye meaning [willow or quill] and qin meaning musical instrument. The liuyeqin was developed in the 1950s so the history of use in Chinese classical ensembles to orchestra is quite recent. Traditionally the liuyeqin is played in Chinese folk music, Chinese Opera and also in narrative music's such as Suzhou-pingtan. Today there are even a few electric liuyeqin's with transducer pickups. The liuyeqin is played by holding the instrument vertically upright resting on your knee and supported by your left hand. It is played with a plectrum. Arrangement of melodies are played in open notes.

 

Liuyeqin Tunings

Standard 4 string	G-D-G-D
3-string	G-D-G
3-string	D-A-D
Rare 5-string	A-D-A-D-A

 

Citations: Bibiography: New grove Dictionary Book G to O Stanley Sadie – page. 533 Alan R. Thrasher.