Đàn bầu

The Đàn bầu is a traditional Vietnamese monochord instrument known for its unique, haunting sound. It consists of a single string stretched over a resonant wooden or bamboo box, which acts as a chamber for sound amplification. The performer manipulates the string's pitch by pressing on it with one hand and uses a tuning peg with the other. Slight adjustments in finger pressure produce a continuous range of vibrato and glissando effects, allowing for expressive melodies and sounds that can mimic natural and emotional tones. The Đàn bầu is often used in Vietnamese folk music and performances for its distinctive, evocative tone.