The Zhuang flute is a musical instrument of the Zhuang nationality. Zhuang language called slave, literally translated as flute. Popular in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Longlin, Xilin, Tianlin, Baise, Napo, Debao, Jingxi and other parts of western Guangxi.
When playing the Zhuang flute, the pipe body is placed horizontally, and the playing method is the same as that of the Han bamboo flute. The ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the right hand press the first, second, and third holes respectively, and the ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the left hand press the fourth, fifth, and sixth holes respectively. This kind of strong flute in the key of C with the drum tone of g1, through flat blowing and super blowing, has a range of g1-g3, with two octaves. The flat blowing sound is soft and slightly dull, and the super blowing sound is bright and gorgeous. Sounds above e3 are harsh and rarely used.
The Zhuang flute is often used for solo, instrumental ensemble or Zhuang opera accompaniment. It is one of the important instruments in the Zhuang eight-music troupe. It and Magu Hutong are the main instruments. Each eight-music team must have two seats for the Zhuang flute. In the Zhuang opera band, the Zhuang flute is often the lead player.
The representative repertoires include "Positive Tunes", "Eight Boards", "Transition Tunes", "Moon Tunes", "Eight Tones" and "Tea Picking Tunes", etc.