The Guqin symbolizes the silk category in the Bayin classifications. Among its other names the most commonly are qinxian qin (seven string zither) and guqin (ancient zither). The latter arose from the instrument's long history of 3000 years or more.
Legends and stories described in the historical sources surround the qin with an aura of romanticism. One is about Yu Boya, a qin player, whose performing was so deeply appreciated by his friend Zhong Ziqi for its spiritual nature that when Ziqi died, Boya destroyed his qin, as he believed there would be no one to appreciate his music properly.
Another tale is told that Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of the Shu Kingdom (221-263), playing the qin on the gate tower; though without any garrisons inside, intimidated the enemy troops headed by General Sima Yi.
The instruments range can reach four octaves or more. From the 13 studs on its sound board harmonic and stopped tones can be produced. Its music is primitively simple, elegant and full of lingering charms. And its tone qualities are variable: deep and vigorous in the low register, pure and mellow in the middle one, bright and delicate in the high. Besides, rich harmonic tones are crystal clear. Sophisticated in playing technique, it is often used for solos or in duets with the vertical dongxiao flute.
The qin was the instrument of the literati through the ages. Even great Confucius was a qin player. The extent tablatures are thousand in number, a vast repertory of various schools.
