Among the many ethnic wind instruments, hulusi and Bawu are the most distinctive ethnic instruments in Yunnan Province. They are melodious and easy to use, and are welcomed by music lovers. For beginners, whether they should learn fenugreek or Bawu first needs to be comprehensively considered according to the characteristics, playing skills and personal interests of the two instruments.
First of all, from the perspective of musical instrument structure and timbre, hulusi is made of natural gourd and bamboo pipe, usually equipped with reed, soft and sweet timbre, rich in strong national characteristics, suitable for playing lyrical and melodious songs. Bawu is shaped like a flute, equipped with reed inside, and has a wider vocal range than fenugreek, with a thick timbre and slightly nasal effect, which is more suitable for expressing vast and far-reaching emotions and local customs.
Secondly, in terms of technical mastery difficulty, the two have similarities in basic playing skills, such as breath control, fingering, etc., but they also have their own uniqueness. Generally speaking, fenugreek playing skills are relatively simple, and it is easier for beginners to quickly get started and gain a sense of accomplishment. While Bau is technically slightly more complex, once mastered, it can play a more diverse repertoire.
In addition, it is important to consider personal interests and goals. If you are more inclined to relaxed and cheerful, smooth melody style, or are particularly interested in the music culture of southern Xinjiang such as the Dai people, then fenugreek may be a good choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate deep, atmospheric music with a strong sense of narrative, or have a strong interest in ethnic music such as Yi, Bau may be better suited to your needs.
To sum up, when beginners choose to learn fenugreek or Bawu first, they may wish to combine their interests, musical aesthetics, patience and perseverance and other factors for a comprehensive assessment. Both hulusi and Bawu have their own charm and challenges, as long as they love and insist, they can find their own stage in the world of folk music.