What is haegeum?

The haegeum (해금) is a traditional Korean string instrument, resembling a fiddle. It has a rodlike neck, a hollow wooden soundbox, two silk strings, and is held vertically on the knee of the performer and played with a bow.

• Construction: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Haegeum%20Construction">Haegeum Construction</a> consists of the soeo, joge, geunjak, daemo, dongdae, wonsan, hwallyutae, and gajeung. The soundbox (tong) is typically made of paulownia wood.

• Playing Technique: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Haegeum%20Playing%20Technique">Haegeum Playing Technique</a> involves bowing between the strings to produce sound. The player uses fingers of the left hand to press on the strings to change the pitch. It requires significant skill to produce a clear and consistent tone.

• Sound: The haegeum has a nasal and somewhat melancholic timbre. It is known for its wide range of expression and ability to mimic various sounds, including human voices and animal calls.

• Use in Music: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Haegeum%20Use%20in%20Music">Haegeum Use in Music</a> appears in various genres of Korean traditional music, including court music (jeongak), folk music (minsogak), and contemporary compositions. It is also sometimes used in contemporary music and film scores.