笛子 Dizi (Chinese Bamboo Flute)
Last updated: 2009/10/30
The dizi is a relatively unknown instrument here in Canada, and as such it can be difficult for English-speaking enthusiasts to find resources and teaching aids. I’ve put together a collection of links, videos and sheet music that I’ve come across while learning and researching the dizi; I’ll continue to update this page as I find more.
Terminology
Pronunciation of the word ‘dizi’
dimo (笛膜) : a thin, tissue-like membrane made from the inner skin of bamboo cells that is applied to a dizi.
mo kong (膜孔) : An extra hole between the embouchure and the finger holes. A thin sheet of dimo paper is pasted over the mo kong to act as a resonator and give the dizi its characteristic buzzy sound.
ejiao (阿胶) : A glue make from donkey hide used to paste the dimo over the mo kong. Juice from crushed garlic can be used for this purpose as well.
Notation
Chinese music notation explained in Western terms
Technique
A few tips for western Boehm flute players starting on the dizi:
- A piece of tape over the mo kong instead of dimo paper will dampen the sound a little for practising.
- Embouchure is pretty similar to a western flute. So, if you’re blowing too hard to get those high notes, then there’s something wrong with your technique.
- Keep those holes covered! I found it took me a few weeks to find a comfortable hand position where my fingers weren’t awkwardly stretched apart. Try to keep your fingers angled down the instrument, with thumbs pointed up the dizi and proving support. If you can’t produce a tone or it sounds incorrect, double check that the holes are properly sealed. Remember: finger pads, not finger tips!
Learn How to Play the Chinese Flute
Sheet Music
Links in parentheses link to the Google translated version.
Summer Thunder Asian Music Club Repertoire
乐谱集锦 – (Sheet Music Collection)
Hulusi 2008 YouTube Channel – many of these performance videos feature links to sheet music in the video description.
Online Retailers
Performances and Ensembles
Schools and Instructors in Canada
tba.
Would you please tell me the diameters and the distance between the holes in the Dizi flute?
Hi Alex. I’m not entirely certain (as the only dizi I own is a large Bb Xin Di), but I beleive it differs for dizi of different sizes. I’d email the folks over at Eason Music (http://www.eason.com.sg) — they are very helpful, and I’m sure they’d be glad to answer any of your questions!
Can a Xin Di play all the sharps and flats like a western silver flute can?
This site is very helpful but if you do not have that special glue for the dimo where can you get some cheap or is there anything you can use in replace of it (thats not garlic) ? :)
hi i have a key of f dizi
how do you play do re mi…………. and how do Read music
Hi! I play the dizi for the Chinese ensemble at Carleton College.
The dizi does not play any “regular” scale and such if you just go by covering the holes in a simple fashion–to do a full chromatic scale you will need to cover half holes too. (This is just a really short explanation typed in the middle of the night while I’m excited for seeing one of the most famous dizi teachers in Beijing tomorrow.)