In addition to the pipa she also plays two other traditional instruments, the zhong ruan and the liu qin . The PIPA a distant relative of the Western lute, is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, first appearing in Chinese texts over 2000 years ago. It has 30 frets which extend down the neck and onto the sound board, giving it a wide range including all the chromatic possibilities. Traditional performers can imitate a wide variety of sounds - from flowing water, conversing geese and trotting horses to Chinese gongs and drums and sounds of battle. Comparatively speaking, civil pieces are refined and elegant, and played at a slow tempo and soft volume.
Martial pieces are generally faster and louder and often depict scenes in historic battles.
The pipa is also used in chamber ensembles, to accompany singing and dancing, and is a popular solo instrument.