It is a two strings bowed instrument with a tone similar to western violin, yet more soulful and expressive. In classical Chinese music the Hu-Qin is melodic, haunting, beautiful, exquisite, ever changing and alive. The traditional style of playing is rich in ornamentation, giving the music a deep three-dimensional quality. There are five different kinds of Hu-Qin commonly used and they are briefly introduced as follows. It's basically a mid-high toned instrument whose mid low tone sounds forceful and lavish.
Mid tone goes gentle and touching, while high tone turns clear and bright.
This changeful character makes it possible for Er-Hu to perform tunes of a variety of moods. Being more suitable for singable melody, Zhong-Hu is thus often used as tutti or accompanying instruments, sometimes foe solo too. Due to its forceful and clarion timbre, Jing-Hu is suitable only for Chinese opera melodies. It is the leading accompanying instrument for Bang-Zi and other northern tunes or ballads. Therefore it's usually for solo, especially for presenting joyful and passionate moods.