Is koto a Chordophone

Answer 1

The koto (琴 or 箏) is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng. The koto is the national instrument of Japan.

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Because of its shape and size, the parts of the koto were originally named after parts of a dragon. The 'ryuko' or 'dragon's back' was the wooden body of the instrument. The 'ryubi' or 'dragon's tail' was the space at the end for the leftover string when the instrument had been threaded. The 'tsume' or claws were worn on the index finger, middle finger and thumb of the right hand to pluck the strings while the bridges or supports were run up and down strings with the left hand to vary the tone. The "picks" or "tsume" were made from ivory. The bridges were notched at the top to hold the strings Both the playing technique and the names for the parts of the koto continue to be used.

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***The history of the koto***

Like many aspects of Japanese culture, the koto originated in China. The original koto was played in China in the 5th to 3rd centuries BC and only had 5 strings. The string count increased to 12 and then to 13 to give greater flexibility of sounds and it was this 13-string version that was first transported to Japan during the 6th century AD.

In Japan, the koto came to be heard most often in conjunction with the shamisen and the shakuhachi but, from being a group instrument, it became appreciated for its own qualities and played as a solo instrument as well. Very little changed about the koto or its playing until the early 20th century when a blind artist, Michiyo Miyagi, who had studied in Korea, incorporated other Asian and Western musical ideas into koto music. He experimented with rhythm, other instruments, meter and voice to produce a whole new element within Japanese music which he passed on to his students at the Tokyo Academy of Music.

***The instrument***

The koto is around 2 metres long and about 20 centimetres across. The 13 strings are actually only two lengths of string, threaded backwards and forwards through the holes at each end of the instrument. One length creates 6 strings and another creates the remaining 7. Leftover lengths are not cut, but rather coiled neatly away at one end in case spare string is needed. The result, stretched across the curved face, was originally made from silk but is now made from nylon. Some old or expensive kotos are decorated with mother-of-pearl, gold leaf and carvings.

When playing the koto, the thicker end rests on the floor in front of the musician while the thinner end is placed on a block or pillow. The musician wears traditional kimono and kneels on tatami mats in front of the instrument when playing. In more recent times, the instrument is sometimes placed on a stand while the musician sits on a chair.

Answer 2

The koto is the national instrument of Japan. It is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, with 13 strings strung over 13 movable bridges. It functions much like the Chinese zheng and the Mongolian yatga, being played with the fingertips or a pick.

Answer 3

The koto (琴 or 箏) is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng. The koto is the national instrument of Japan.

Answer 4

yes, it originates from japan.