Piaoxiao, flutes tied together 

The transverse bamboo flute's range is two and a half octaves. Poems and the name of the maker are often inscribed on the flute.

Traditional xiaos have six finger holes, while most modern ones have eight; the additional holes do not extend the instrument's range but instead make it easier to play notes such as F natural. The soft timbre and the low volume make xiao a unique instrument for solo and ensemble. The euphemistic melody played by xiao usually represents fine and smooth feelings.

Xiao

Dizi

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