World InstrumentsWorld Instruments

Where is Japan?

Why does Eastern music sound so different from Western music?

Western music uses the heptatonic (__ note) scale, called a major scale. On the piano play every white note starting at C, going to the next C.

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Why does Eastern music sound so different from Western music?

Eastern music uses the pentatonic (__ note) scale. Many cultures use this pattern. On a piano the notes would be A B C E F A.

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Japanese KotoJapanese Koto

The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument

The koto is the national instrument of Japan.

Kotos are about 71 in long.

They have 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument.

Japanese KotoJapanese Koto

Players can adjust the string pitches by moving these bridges before playing, and use three finger picks (on thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L24Nb4CJzV4

Modern Use of Koto

David Bowie – “Moss Garden”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIT1YQe3KeA&feature=related

Queen – “The Prophet’s Song”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZjjsrn9FY4