beautypg.com

Apple Using the GarageBand Jam Pack: World Music Instruments User Manual

Page 27

background image

27

Chinese Di Zi Flute

The Chinese di zi (also sometimes called “ti-tzu” or “hengdi”) is a transverse flute, like
the Western classical flute. It has been used in both court and folk music, and is prized
for its simplicity, small size, and beauty of sound. Di zi are commonly made of bamboo,
but can also be made using other types of wood and even stone, including jade.

Di zi typically have a range of two and a half octaves. Each instrument is tuned and
played in a specific key, so a player may have several instruments in order to play
different songs. In addition to the finger holes used to play notes, the di zi has a special
hole called “Muo kong,” over which a very thin piece of bamboo is stretched, creating
its characteristic penetrating tone. The Muo kong adds to the brightness and loudness
of the instrument, and also adds harmonics which make the sound more nasal.

Playing techniques for the di zi include vibrato and non-vibrato playing,
fluttertonguing, and a rapid unpitched trill used as an ornament at the beginning of
notes. The Chinese Di Zi Flute Instrument gives you all of these playing styles, accessed
using the mod wheel.