Guzheng Vol 1: Perfect Posture Without Pain or Tension

Hello, I’m Chih-Lin Chou, a Guzheng performer and certified instructor. If your goal is not just to play, but to achieve recognized mastery, this program is your pathway.

This piece “High Mountain and Flowing Water”  is part of a journey—a journey that can lead to official recognition. ‘Becoming a Guzheng Performer’ is a structured program designed with one clear goal: to prepare you step-by-step for the Beijing Conservatory of Music’s Guzheng Level Evaluation.

We start by building an unshakable foundation: posture, hand technique, and essential theory. Then, we progress systematically through the official exam repertoire, guiding you level by level—from beginner all the way to the advanced Performer’s Certificate.

This is more than learning songs; it’s about cultivating the precision, expression, and discipline required by the highest standards. Whether you aim for personal excellence or professional certification, this program provides the exact roadmap, coaching, and repertoire mastery you need.

Let me guide you. Enroll in “Becoming a Guzheng Performer” – Your Structured Path to the Beijing Conservatory Certificate.

Build a deep, intuitive relationship with your instrument from day one. This foundational course moves beyond simple melodies to teach you how your Guzheng works and how to play it correctly.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

· Identify all major components of the Guzheng (like the headstock, tailpiece, and wild goose bridges) and explain their function in creating its signature sound.

· Perform basic tuning using the instrument's tuning compartment and understand essential care practices.

· Produce your first clear, resonant notes with an understanding of the technique behind them.

This essential lecture covers the three key aspects of correctly selecting and wearing Guzheng picks to ensure a secure, comfortable, and effective setup for playing.

Upon completing this lecture, you will be able to:

· Select the correct pick size by using a straightforward measurement technique against your finger joint.

· Properly wrap picks with tape, applying the correct tape length, wrap count, and positioning relative to your natural nail.

· Securely attach picks to your fingers, understanding the crucial placement where tape should sit half on the skin and half on your nail, and correctly position the thumb pick at the proper inward angle.

· Identify the recommended starter pick type—the double-sided curved shape with a standard thickness of 2.5-2.8mm—and understand why this type is preferred for its durability and ease of use.

Master the foundational posture that enables relaxed, powerful, and expressive playing. This lecture deconstructs the traditional principles for sitting with the Guzheng correctly.

Upon completing this lecture, you will be able to:

· Set up an ergonomic playing position, including correct bench height, distance from the instrument, and foot placement for stability.

· Align your spine, hips, and torso to create a strong, tension-free foundation that supports long practice sessions.

· Apply the core mantra—“sink shoulders, drop elbows, level wrists, straighten back, plant feet”—to eliminate unnecessary tension in your upper body.

· Use your eyes and torso to navigate the instrument dynamically, making posture an active part of your playing.

· Begin cultivating a state of "unity between player and instrument" (琴人合一) for greater control and musicality.

Master the Guzheng Hand Position

This lecture breaks down the six essential principles for a correct and effective Guzheng hand position (shouxing). You will learn the biomechanics of a supported, tension-free posture to produce a better tone and prevent injury.

Upon completing this lecture, you will be able to:

· Form a structurally sound hand shape with all 14 joints activated, a distinct knuckle line, and a rounded, supportive "tiger's mouth."

· Maintain a neutral wrist and a straight central axis from your forearm to your middle finger while adapting to the instrument's curvature.

· Position your fingers independently and in a staggered arrangement for clarity and control.

· Apply the "54321" mnemonic for self-correction and systematically eliminate tension points during practice.