The charm is the characteristic of the zheng. The correct position of the left hand to press the strings plays a decisive role in the performance of the skills. The ideal position for pressing the strings is about 16 cm on the left side of the zither post, which is determined according to the tension of the strings and the moderate extension of the left hand. Our common inappropriate positions are often more than 20 cm.

Because the closer it is to the zither post, the greater the tension of the strings, and the strings cannot be pressed tightly; the farther away from the zither post, the softer the strings, and the less tension to press the strings. Some zither players stretch their left hand farther in order to press the slide more easily, so that the pressing position changes. The left hand is overextended, increasing the burden on the arm, the playing form becomes unnatural, and the press slide often touches the panel.

It is common that there are many nail marks on the left panel of some zithers, which is caused by the improper position of the strings. In the basic training, we should pay attention to the accuracy and freedom of the left hand pressing the strings, so that the left hand skills can be fully expressed.