A jinghu (京胡; pinyin: jīng hú) is a bowed Chinese string instrument used primarily in Beijing opera. It has two strings that were formerly made of silk, but which in modern times are increasingly made of steel. The strings are tuned to the interval of a fifth and the bow passes between the strings. Unlike other huqin instruments (erhu, gaohu, zhonghu, etc.) it is made of bamboo. Its soundbox is covered on the front (playing) end with snakeskin.

The jinghu is the highest pitched instrument in the huqin family. In Beijing Opera, the jinghu often doubles the singer's voice. Jinghu performers in Beijing Opera rarely shift into higher positions, and instead choose to compress the melody into a single octave.

See also

• Huqin
• Music of China
• Traditional Chinese musical instruments
• String instruments

Chinese musical instruments | Drumhead lutes | Bowed instruments | String instruments

Jinghu | 京胡