Diverse Performance Technique of Gayageum and its Development

We’ll look at the various gayageums exhibited here and learn how they are played. We’ll also see how the instrument has changed through the years.

There are many types of gayageum, and just as many different ways to play them. Generally, the instrument is placed on the floor with the upper part rested on the player’s lap, who is also sitting on the floor.

The three gayageums in the Japanese royal storage either have strings or traces of where the strings were tied to. The gayageum could also be played like a guitar, with a strap around the neck. Because gayageum was played in an ensemble along with other instruments, dances, and songs, there were many different ways to play it.

Also, the gayageum has changed with time. The late 19th century gave birth to the "sanjo," a solo music that emphasizes each instrument in an ensemble. After the gayageum sanjo, solo music for other traditional instruments were also developed.

Take a look at this gayageum for playing sanjo. You can see that it has a narrower and shorter body. It was for performing music with a fast beat and it also enhanced portability.

Press the button in front of the exhibition and listen to different string instruments.