Silk Road Melodies · Ethnic Instruments
Discover the structure, timbre, and cultural significance of traditional instruments from Xinjiang's ethnic groups.

Dutar
Plucked Instrument
A traditional two-stringed plucked instrument known for its warm, soft tone, commonly used for accompaniment and solo performances.

Rawap
Plucked Instrument
A multi-stringed plucked instrument with a wide range, serving as a key accompaniment for the Twelve Muqam.

Komuz
Plucked Instrument
A three-stringed plucked instrument known for its crisp, bright tone; the most iconic instrument of the Kyrgyz people.

Morin Khuur
Bowed Instrument
A two-stringed bowed instrument named for the horsehead carving at its top, known for its deep, melodious tone.

Dombra
Plucked Instrument
A two-stringed plucked instrument, the primary accompaniment for Aken Aytes.

Satar
Bowed Instrument
A bowed string instrument with a beautiful tone, commonly used in Muqam music performances.

Gijak
Bowed Instrument
High-pitched bowed instrument with a bright tone, widely used in Uyghur music.

Tobshuur
Plucked Instrument
Traditional Mongolian plucked instrument with a crisp tone, commonly used for dance accompaniment.
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Each instrument carries the history and culture of its people. Click to view details and learn more about craftsmanship and playing techniques.
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