Playing Pipa
written by Ingo Stoevesandt



First steps: Holding the instrument

On old temple reliefs the ancient Pipa players held the instrument horizontally, like a spanish guitar.  
Today the player holds the instrument upright, with the soundwall pointing to the audience.
It is not so easy to find a position where the solid Pipa doesn't seem to slip away.
If someone is used to play the guitar he might face some difficulties as the lower pyramidal shaped
"xiang" frets are out of sight and the complete view of what you do with your left hand is hampered.