When the Yi people play the four strings, the posture and playing method are the same as those of the Yueqin.

The four strings are divided into two groups, and the two strings in each group are set to the same tone, usually in the relationship of fifths: c1, g1; d1, a1. Sometimes it is also tuned in fourths as d1 and g1, and the range has two octaves. The sound is beautiful and soft. Some performers only play one outer string in order to keep the timbre pure and play more delicate music.

There are a variety of decorative tone patterns and fingerings, such as fast picking, strumming, hitting, hooking, etc. for the right hand; sliding, pushing, pulling, chant, kneading, etc.

Four strings can be used for solo, instrumental ensemble or as accompaniment to folk songs and dances, and are also commonly used by the Yi people for self-entertainment. In the music and dance of the Yi people, the four strings are the "four tunes" (including "Haicai tune", "Yam tune", "Wushan tune" and "Si tune") folk songs and "sine tune" (only dancing but not the four tunes) of the Yi people in southern Yunnan. It is the main accompaniment instrument of "Zixian tune" (singing and dancing), when young men and women sing "Haicai tune" outdoors during their love, they are often played by the young man playing the four strings as accompaniment.

Four strings are also used in folk songs and dances, and they play a leading role.