ABOUT THE dizi
The dizi (笛子 - dízi) is a Chinese flute made from bamboo.
The dizi features a additional hole compared to other flutes, over which is stretched and glued a membrane called a 笛膜 (Dí mó). This provides a distinctive resonating effect and a buzzing, nasal quality.
There are generally two types of dizi: the longer version is 曲笛 (Qū dí) from southern China, with darker tone and more graceful repertoire; the shorter version is 梆笛 (Bāng dí) from northern China.
Traditionally, a dizi is made of one piece of bamboo tube. Today however, many dizi are made of two pieces of bamboo tubes. The tightness the two pieces connecting together can be adjusted, allowing the player to fine tune the instrument.
LEARNING RESOURCES
ENGLISH LANGUAGE RESOURCES
Sound of Dragon have a really excellent webpage with lots of information on dizi playing and technique, which can be found here: Sound of Dragon: Dizi
There are sadly very few English language books on playing dizi. There is one by H.H. Lee which we haven’t read, but there are positive reviews.
To find out more or to purchase a copy head to: How to Play Dizi, the Chinese Bamboo Flute: The Basic Skills
