The Korean Gayagum

Today, I will introduce a Korean musical instrument called the Gayagum. I know a lot about this instrument because I play it. I own my own Gayagum. It is in my living room. In fact, the instrument is taller than me!

The Gayagum is special because it does not sound like any instrument from Europe or the Americas. You can tell that it is from an Asian origin. The sound is sharp and full. The music made by the Gayagum depends on different pressure placed on each string. I will describe the rest below.

History

The Gayagum was invented around the 6th Century in Korea. This instrument held a royal place in Korea because it was used in the King's home, in royal parties, and other fancy ceremonies. Traditional Gayagums were made using silk strings and a wood body.

What It Looks Like

It looks like a tall (taller than me!) wooden board. There are 12 strings. Each string is held up by a wooden bridge that move. When you move each small bridge, you change the tune of each string. At the edge of the Gayagum, the strings are attached. My Gayagum has red and yellow string that attaches the musical strings to the wood. My Gayagum is all brown colored with white strings. But some Gayagums are blue or red. Some special Gayagums have 48 strings, but you have to be very good at playing because you need to use both hands to play the music. Normally, you use your right hand to play the music, and the left to change the tune.

How to Play It

You must use your index finger to "pluck" the string. This is how you get the bold sound. But sometimes, you must use your middle finger and thumb too. All of these fingers "pluck" the strings, but sometimes you must "flick" it. Your left hand "pushes" each string to tune. The music changes when you push the string with different force. Sometimes, you bounce your left hand to get a beautiful echo. It is not really an echo, but you need to listen to the Gayagum yourself to know!

Interesting Facts

- There is a special way to put the Gayagum in its case. Or it will break!
- You only need your hands to play the Gayagum. You do not need anything else!
- Your right pinky finger must always stick on the right side of the Gayagum where the strings are attached to the board. This is just a rule!
- You can play pop songs on the Gayagum too! - I know how to play Oh Canada on my Korean Gayagum... it sounds good!
- In ancient times, many boys played the Gayagum, but today, people think differently and only girls learn how to play it.

How to Buy One You can buy them on the internet now. You can find them cheap too. Normally, you can buy it for about $1000. My mom found one on the internet for very cheap. Mine cost $400 and it is from Korea. Some very expensive Gayagums cost $20000! You can try going on Korean shopping sites like www.gmarket.co.kr.

This is a one of the gayagum song 'Airang'