The gayageum is one of Korea’s most famous traditional musical instruments. It is a zither with 12 silk strings stretched over a long wooden body made of paulownia wood. Its soft and delicate sound captures the beauty and emotion of Korean music.
A Glimpse into History
The gayageum was first created during the Gaya Kingdom over 1,500 years ago. According to old Korean history books, King Gasil of Gaya was inspired by a Chinese instrument and asked a musician named Ureuk to build a new one. Ureuk made the gayageum and wrote 12 songs for it. He later brought the instrument to the Silla Kingdom, where it became popular and was passed down through generations.
Types of Gayageum
There are two main types of traditional gayageum:
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Jeongak Gayageum: used in classical court music. It has a soft and elegant sound.
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Sanjo Gayageum: used in folk music. It is smaller, and the strings are closer together, making it good for fast and expressive playing.
In modern times, new versions have been made with 18, 21, or 25 strings, allowing musicians to play a wider range of notes. There are also electric gayageums for modern performances.
How It’s Played
The gayageum is played by sitting on the floor and placing the instrument on your lap. The right hand plucks or strikes the strings, while the left hand presses or bends the strings to change the pitch. This allows for rich and emotional sounds, from gentle melodies to fast rhythms.
Gayageum Today
Today, the gayageum is used not only in traditional Korean music, but also in modern styles like jazz, pop, and film music. Many artists create new compositions using the gayageum, blending old traditions with new ideas. It is now loved by people both in Korea and around the world.
The gayageum is a beautiful symbol of Korean culture. Its sound is peaceful yet powerful, and it continues to inspire musicians and listeners across generations. Whether you enjoy traditional melodies or modern fusion music, the gayageum has something special to offer.
360º VR of Gayageum Sanjo (Seogeongcheol style), performed by Lee Yeo-jin and Jung Jun-ho
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