Changes

Closely related to the Okinawan ''[[kokyu (instrument)|kûchô]]'', the ''erhu'' incorporates a small round or hexagonal body (soundbox), covered typically in snakeskin, and a bow which is held between the two strings; unlike the bow of a Western instrument such as a violin, the ''erhu'' bow is not easily, or typically, removed, and is played between the strings rather than atop them.

Closely related to the Okinawan ''[[kokyu (instrument)|kûchô]]'', the ''erhu'' incorporates a small round or hexagonal body (soundbox), covered typically in snakeskin, and a bow which is held between the two strings; unlike the bow of a Western instrument such as a violin, the ''erhu'' bow is not easily, or typically, removed, and is played between the strings rather than atop them.

The ''erhu'' is often played as a solo instrument, as well as in traditional ensembles, modern orchestras, and in providing the music for theatre, including in ''[[jingju]]'' (Beijing opera). In the theatre, it someimes doubles the melody played by the ''[[jinghu]]'' ("opera fiddle") but at a lower octave, and is also used to accompany singing by female roles.

The ''erhu'' is often played as a solo instrument, as well as in traditional ensembles, modern orchestras, and in providing the music for theatre, including in ''[[jingju]]'' (Beijing opera). In the theatre, it someimes doubles the melody played by the ''[[jinghu]]'' ("capital fiddle") but at a lower octave, and is also used to accompany singing by female roles.

In southern China and Taiwan, the instrument is often called a ''nanhú'' (南胡, "southern fiddle").

In southern China and Taiwan, the instrument is often called a ''nanhú'' (南胡, "southern fiddle").