Sihu - Inner Mongolian four string fiddle, it is used for companiment, solo and traditional story telling

sihu is is common in Inner Mongolia and north China under differnt names, such as siguzi, sixian (both refer to four strings). Its bamboo bow, with horse hair arranged in two strands, passes respectively between strings 1 and 2 for the inner strand and netween 3 and 4 for outer strand. Strings 1 and 3 are n=both tuned as d1, and string 2and 4, a fifth higher, both as a1. The resultant extra volume gives every tone a briliant lustre, speightful and dynamic. Its range is about two octaves.

In Performances the sihu is roughly similar to the erhu, except that the left hand plays with ginger joins, not with finger tips. In the accompaniment to Mongolian narrative songs, finhger nails are often used for the inner side of strings. Besides for narratives the instrument is also seen in ensemble and local opearas, such as shadow plays. In 1950s, it also used in Yangzhou opeara in Jainagsu provice.

Sihu (four string fiddle)

sihu is is common in Inner Mongolia and north China under differnt names, such as siguzi, sixian (both refer to four strings). Its bamboo bow, with horse hair arranged in two strands, passes respectively between strings 1 and 2 for the inner strand and netween 3 and 4 for outer strand. Strings 1 and 3 are n=both tuned as d1, and string 2and 4, a fifth higher, both as a1. The resultant extra volume gives every tone a briliant lustre, speightful and dynamic. Its range is about two octaves. In Performances the sihu is roughly similar to the erhu, except that the left hand plays with ginger joins, not with finger tips. In the accompaniment to Mongolian narrative songs, finhger nails are often used for the inner side of strings. Besides for narratives the instrument is also seen in ensemble and local opearas, such as shadow plays. In 1950s, it also used in Yangzhou opeara in Jainagsu provice.		sample music coming soon
		sample mp3 coming soon