Most
bowed string instruments have two strings (e.g. Erhu and Gaohu),
although some of them have four, such as the sihu and the
gehu. Bowed string instruments mainly refer to instruments
of the huqin category, which are used in solos, ensembles
and accompaniments. Although bowed stringed instruments have
a shorter history than other folk instruments, with beautiful
sounds and rich expressiveness, they are deeply loved by all
ethnic minorities in China. Moreover, they have various tone
colors, some being elegant and tender; some clear and bright;
and some vigorous, cheerful, and melodious.
