Qin friends often ask: "Why does my guqin always go out of tune, and it will be out of tune not long after it is in tune." In fact, this is also a problem that many piano friends often encounter. This problem also occurs and is particularly annoying. Today we are going to explain what causes the pitch-shifting and what are the ways to avoid these problems.

1. The effect of the tension of the guqin strings on the intonation

There are two kinds of guqin strings, which are divided into steel strings and silk threads. Most of the strings on the market are steel strings. To understand why the guqin changes in pitch, we must understand that the entire guqin is under constant pressure.

The seven guqin strings are fixed by qinzhen, velvet buckle and goose feet. One side is looped over the teeny head of the strings with a velvet button, and the other side is tied to the two goose feet, which are fixed by the friction between the strings and the goose feet and the huge tension generated by the Zhenzi tightening the strings. , especially now that the steel strings have a lot of tension.

This pulling force is not constant. With the extension of time, the change of temperature, the release and consumption of internal gravity will affect the change of pressure, which will lead to the change of the intonation of the guqin.

Therefore, when we are ready to change a new string or a new string, fix the string at one end and pull the string with a certain amount of strength to release the tension, so as to achieve a relatively stable state.

2. The effect of temperature difference on pitch

The guqin is formed by combining two upper and lower wooden boards. The top and bottom of the guqin are like the outer skin of a big drum, and there are seven steel strings tied to it. It is conceivable that it is subjected to force, so the wooden board is not sensitive to humidity. and temperature changes are extremely sensitive.

In southern my country, it is generally rainy and humid, and the panels and strings of the guqin are easy to swell; in most areas in the north, it is cold and dry. Especially in winter, the indoor air is abnormally dry and the moisture quickly disappears, which leads to the shrinkage of the guqin top and strings.

The continuous expansion and contraction causes the string to change accordingly. Therefore, changes in temperature will also have an effect on the tension of the strings, resulting in changes in the intonation of the guqin.

Therefore, when we suddenly come to the north from the south, we should adjust the temperature and humidity of the guqin, such as appropriate spraying in the abdominal cavity of the guqin. In the same way, corresponding measures should be taken for the northern piano to the south, for example, a fan can be used to blow it properly.

3. The quality of guqin strings is also related to intonation

Guqin strings will definitely change under the action of strong pulling force for a long time. This phenomenon, called "relaxation," is inevitable for strings.

In fact, every new guqin has been adjusted before leaving the factory, but due to the influence of tension, the strings will still change, so with innovative guqin, more attention should be paid to regular tuning on schedule.

Therefore, when we buy a new guqin, we should replace the original strings, and it is recommended to replace the better brand strings.

4. The quality of the guqin also affects the intonation

Guqin on the market today is roughly divided into three levels, namely practice, playing and collecting. The quality of the guqin itself will also have a certain impact on the intonation. Generally speaking, if the works of famous qin masters adopt advanced technology and exquisite craftsmanship, especially strict selection of materials, the stability and intonation of the guqin will be relatively good. For example, in the first step, the selection of materials and the ancient handed down crafting process, as well as the minimum silk velvet buttons, will not choose silk that is too elastic, and the rosewood of Qinzhen and Zhenchi will not slip after a certain amount of friction. , the technique of weaving the velvet buttons, the way of winding the strings, etc. will pay attention to these details.

So try to choose a brand of guqin or find a friend who understands the guqin as far as your economic conditions allow, and pay attention to the details.

5. The effect of guqin playing techniques on intonation

When we first learn the guqin, we should standardize our fingerings. During guqin playing, the fingers will repeatedly pluck the strings, and the strings will be impacted by external forces, and the plasticity of the material itself will naturally increase the tendency of tonal changes. If our fingering is not standardized, this effect will be more obvious.

Of course, for example, professional luthiers or famous guqin masters will have a greater impact on intonation due to the more occasions and times they are played.

Therefore, it is very important to regulate our fingering and sitting posture when we first start learning the guqin.

6. The effect of movement and transportation on pitch

Sometimes we need to travel long distances or perform important performances, and we cannot avoid the need to transport the guqin. After long-distance transportation or frequent movement, the influence of external forces will also have a certain impact on the pitch.

In addition, we should also be careful when we take it out and carry it. If we don’t pay attention to these, it will also cause a difference in pitch.

Therefore, if you need to transport it long distances, it is recommended to store it in a special guqin box, with a protective layer on the outside, and be careful when handling it.

In a word, there are many reasons for the guqin to run out of strings. The usual solutions are to reset the tuning, adjust the tightness of the strings, use incense ash to increase the friction of the strings, and re-tie the strings. Let's just adjust it. Generally speaking, the finer the guqin's production process, the less likely this problem will occur.

Generally speaking, if it is occasional running strings and a little adjustment is enough, if the strings are repeatedly run and the tuning is not good, then a professional violinist needs to adjust the measures according to local conditions.