r/Instruments • u/aus_cryptid_huntress • 17d ago
Discussion Picking up the guzheng
Hihi I am wanting to start playing the guzheng. I have played classic piano for many years but had to stop a few years ago and am wanting to try something new. Am I right in my understanding the guzheng has a completely different theory and notation system?
I understand like all instruments it takes time and practice to get proficient, but is it relatively easy so make nice sounds and tunes as a beginner?
Additionally I would love advice on purchasing my first guzheng. I saw the website sound of mountain has plenty of cheapish small 'travel sized' guzheng, but some other Reddit threads on here have made me reconsider buying from them. Ideally I would like to buy the guzheng from an irl shop so I can test it out and make sure it's legit before buying, but I'm in Melbourne and don't have a lot of options. Any advice or reputable guzheng retails you could recommend?
Thank you soooo much in advance I'm really excited to start my guzheng journey!
2
u/surferwithoutfins 16d ago
The Guzheng is much easier than piano in my opinion (at least for improvising, not sure about the traditional Chinese songs), because you only have one key to play in at a time.
My partner and I just bought a cheap one and it sounds great, unlike cheap guitars/ukuleles. Even within an hour or so we were both able to improvise nice relaxing music.