What is a Zither?

A zither is a string instrument that consists of a flat wooden body with multiple strings stretched across its surface. Unlike guitars or violins, zithers typically do not have a raised neck; instead, all the strings run across the body of the instrument. The strings are usually plucked, strummed, or sometimes struck to produce sound.

The instrument is often played while resting on a table or the player’s lap. Musicians pluck the melody strings with a pick or fingers while using the other hand to press or strum accompaniment strings. Some types of zithers also include chord bars or additional strings that allow players to produce harmony along with the melody.

Zithers appear in many musical traditions around the world, including European, Chinese, and Southeast Asian music. Well-known examples include the guqin and guzheng from China and the Alpine zither used in European folk music. Because of its rich tone and versatile string arrangement, the zither has been used for both solo performances and ensemble music across many cultures.