The ruan (阮, pinyin: ruǎn) is a Chinese plucked string instrument. It is a lute with a fretted neck, a circular body, and four strings. Its four strings were formerly made of silk but since the 20th century they have been made of steel (flatwound for the lower strings). The modern ruan has 24 frets with 12 semitones on each string, which has greatly expanded its range from a previous 13 frets. The frets are commonly made of ivory. Or in recent times, metal mounted on wood. The metal frets produce a brighter tone as compared to the ivory frets. It is sometimes called ruanqin (阮琴), particularly in Taiwan.
Notes: A popular instrument in China, the head is made of wood with snake skin. Three strings nylon steel. Pick on the finger (like the the guzheng or pipa). There are two kinds — big and small. The big sanxian is one fifth lower than the small sanxian. Three strings are G, D, g — sounds one octave lower than written.
Low range – simple and honest
Middle range – bright
High range – solid, substantial, clear and melodius
Highest range – edgy, intense and penetrating (not useful in the orchestra — only use as a solo)
Three strings can change the tuning, lowest is D, A, d (highest is G, D, g)
Left Hand Techniques
Missing: 虚滑（xū huá）－ short slide
Right Hand Techniques
Can play two pitches or chords and also can change tuning; rarely used in the orchestra
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