The most noteworthy types include: Gagaku-biwa, Gogen-biwa, Moso-biwa, Heike-biwa, Satsuma-biwa, Chikuzen-biwa and Nishiki-biwa. They were distinguished by several features such as number of strings, frets, plectrum and the sound. All of which were made for different purposes. Over the years, a number of versions of this instrument have been created. The Japanese were first introduced to this instrument during the 7th century and its origin can be traced to the pipa, a Chinese musical instrument.

It can be used in ensembles or in a solo performance. The Biwa is played using a big plectrum (Bachi) shaped like a wedge. This technique is usually used so as to create different tones and sounds for each one of them. This instrument is made up of 4 or 5 silk strings of varying thickness.

Biwa (image credit: Wikipedia)īiwa is a Japanese plucked string instrument identifiable through its short neck and a body shape similar to a pear. The sound produced by Gottan can be described as warm, gentle, light and cheerful. This makes it different from its relative the sanshin whose body is normally covered with snake skin. Its body is made entirely of solid wood from top to bottom and is equipped with 3 strings and 3 tuning pegs. This instrument is quite simple both in its music and design. Gottan was used for such purposes alongside the shamisen. Kodozuke is a door to door kind of entertainment which is done for food or money by strolling musicians. If you have ever heard of Kadozuke, then you may have heard of this instrument. Gottan, also called hako or ita, is a stringed instrument that has been in the Japanese culture since time immemorial. Another prominent influencer is Keiko Nosaka who increased the number of Koto strings to 20 and more therefore creating newer versions of the instrument for people who feel restricted by the 13 stringed ones. This talented musician from Kyoto came up with Kumi ata, a new form of Koto music. One of the greatest influencers to the innovation and development of this instrument is Yatsuhashi Kengyo. Koto has gone through a number of changes since its introduction to the Japanese.

The Koto strings are made out of plastic or silk and are usually of similar size and tension. In the past, the bridges used to be made from ivory but currently plastic and wood are being used. It is made up of paulownia wood comprised of 13 strings and 13 bridges. Koto is easy to spot due to its elongated body averaging 71 inches in length with a width of about 7.9 inches. It has a striking resemblance to not only the Guzheng, but also the dan tranh from Vietnam, gayageum from Korea and the yatga from Mongolia. Descended from the Chinese zither Guzheng, Koto is a stringed instrument commonly found in Japan.

Large standing string instrument