[Myanmar Musical Instrument History] Saung Gau: Folk Musical Instrument

Saung Gau is a traditional Myanmar musical instrument. It is an instrument that is also known to have appeared in the Japanese movie “The Burmese Harp”. Sit in a chair or the like with a bow-shaped harp with 16 strings, and play with the stick bent inward on your lap so that it is on your left side. It is said to be an instrument influenced by ancient India, and its tone is very reminiscent of India. Saung Gau plucks the strings with his right hand and changes the pitch with his left hand.

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Location

This instrument was born in Myanmar.

History of Saung Gau

Saung Gau is one of the representative traditional musical instruments in Myanmar. Saung Gau’s first model is probably 3000 BC and is probably the stringed instrument used in the Mesopotamian civilization. The true origin is still unknown and is still in the stage of research. It may have since spread to Africa and Asia. Saung Gau was probably transmitted from southeastern India around 500 years. The Bo Bozi Temple has an arched harp with about five strings, which is believed to be evidence of its propagation. Saung Gau has been performed in court chamber music in Myanmar since the 8th century. It was around the 14th century that the score for this instrument appeared in Burmese. And now it is famous as a traditional musical instrument representing Myanmar.

Features of Saung Gau

Saung Gau is a bow-shaped harp with 16 strings, sitting on a chair, etc., and playing with the stick bent inward on his lap so that it is on the left side. A boat-shaped hardwood body, covered in deer skin and with three or four resonating holes. The player sits cross-legged on the floor and places the boat-shaped body on his right foot with the arch facing to the right. The right hand plays the strings with the thumb and forefinger, while the left hand may press the thumb to change the pitch of the chords. Saung Gau plucks the strings with his right hand and changes the pitch with his left hand. Saung Gau has a unique shape and is characterized by its beautiful decoration. Since it was performed in the court, it is ornately decorated. The tone is reminiscent of an Indian musical instrument.

Saung Gau’s song

Saung Gau is an instrument used in traditional Myanmar music and court music.