Guqin strings are divided into steel strings and silk strings. The structure of the steel string is a very thin steel wire inside, and two layers of nylon wire are wound on the steel wire. The tension is very strong and it is easy to reach the pitch standard. The structure of the silk string is relatively simple. It is made of pure silk, which is relatively unstable. The poor quality silk string is not easy to reach the pitch standard.

In the process of playing the guqin, we often encounter the problem that the strings are too loose, and the pitch cannot be adjusted no matter how we tune, or the strings are broken and need to be re-stringed. Today, I would like to share with you some experiences about winding the strings. as follows:

1. First of all, when you buy new strings, you need to make your own knots (teeny heads). There are also some merchants who tie them. It is recommended to tie them yourself, because most merchants use machines to tie knots, which may cause injury. To the wrong and unsightly position of the strings or teeny heads. For the method of fixing teeny heads, please refer to Guqin books or video tutorials, the text description is not very clear.

Usually, the strings are tied from the fifth string, and the three thinner strings are wound around the goose foot on the side of the body in the order of five, six, and seven; then, according to the order of one, two, three, and four In order, wrap the four thicker strings around the goose feet on the other side.

2. When you are ready to wind the string, you need a string bar. If you don't have it, you can use a small towel to roll it up. Find a towel or a foam pad to place it on the ground to prevent the headstock from directly touching the ground when stringing.

Thread the seven strings that have been beaten into the velvet buckle respectively, be careful not to expose the excess velvet buckle thread, then wrap the other end of the string around the winding rod, place the piano head down on the foam pad, and hold it with your left hand. Hold the end of the guqin, hold the winding rod in your right hand and pull the strings upward and start winding the strings on the goose feet. At this time, you need to feel the tension of the strings and the strength of your hands. Don't pull too hard so you don't directly break the strings, and don't pull too loose.

3. Although the steel string has strong elasticity, it is not impossible for the steel string to break. On the contrary, the first and second strings of the silk thread will not break easily. Because the core of the steel string is a thin wire, it is very sharp when it breaks and falls off, and it is as sharp as the tip of a needle.

When you feel the string is tight enough, test the sound by plucking the strings with your left hand. At this time, do not relax your right hand, maintain a continuous output of power, and then open the tuner or tuning app to use the approximate pitch as a reference. Press the strings up and down with your left hand to fine-tune the string tension and adjust the strings to the proper pitch.

4. After the tuning is completed, the right hand is close to the surface of the geese's feet and starts to wind the strings. The first circle is close to the back of the piano surface and the number of circles is pressed against the first circle. The winding direction is clockwise (5, 6, 7 strings), and the counterclockwise winding is (1, 2, 3, 4 strings), three on one side and four on the other side, because the sound of the 1, 2, 3, and 4 strings The low natural velocity is smaller, and the 5th, 6th, and 7th string pitches need more velocity, so that the velocity on both sides is even.

Before winding the strings, you can wrap a circle of cotton thread or textured paper around the goose feet to increase the friction between the strings and the goose feet. When the strings are wound, gradually move away from the surface of the guqin. When they are wound to half of the wild goose feet, they begin to gradually fold back. At the last circle, pass the tail of the string through the string close to the surface of the guqin, press and fix it. And so on, each string is wound and secured in the same way.

5. After the strings are installed, keep them in tune and hang them vertically for one night. Usually the next day you will find that it has come loose a bit and needs to be adjusted again. Basically, if it is a silk thread, it needs to be repeated 3-5 times within a month after the first tying of the strings, so as to be basically stable.

After each strum, finally loosen all the strings, especially the sixth and seventh strings. Because of the change of temperature and humidity, the silk thread is greatly deformed. Do not put it near the air conditioner in winter and summer, and do not put it in windows, humid and particularly dry places, etc.

Guqin strings will wear out after being played for a long time, especially where the right hand is playing. You can apply a small amount of Chinese herbal glue on the strings, or a small amount of egg whites can also make the strings brighter. New, you can try it!