How To: Play the ruan, a Chinese Lute

How to Play the ruan, a Chinese Lute

In this tutorial, we learn how to play the ruan, a Chinese Lute. First, sit on 2/3 of the chair, then rest the ruan on the lap, slanting it 45 degrees to the left. For the left hand position rest the thumb at the back of the neck and allow the other fingers to curve into a ball shape. use the fingertips to press into the strings. Do not pull the strings when pressing or the pitch will be messed up. Also, do not rest the palm onto the neck of the ruan. Use the pick between the thumb and pointer finger to play on the bottom and enjoy learning this new instrument.