The ajaeng (Korean: 아쟁; Hanja: 牙箏) is a Korean string instrument. It is a wide zither with strings made of twisted silk. A slender stick made from forsythia wood is used to play the instrument by drawing it across the strings like a bow. The ajaeng usually plays the low-pitched part in group music. Some instruments have between nine and twelve strings. It is similar to the Japanese koto, but it is played by bowing instead of plucking.

The ajaeng is typically played while sitting on the floor. Its sound is similar to a cello but rougher. Some modern musicians prefer using a real horsehair bow instead of a stick, as they believe it creates a smoother sound. The instrument is used in court music, aristocratic music, folk music, contemporary classical music, and film scores.

Traditionally, the ajaeng is divided into two types: the daeajaeng (Korean: 대아쟁; Hanja: 大牙箏), used for jeongak (정악; 正樂), and the soajaeng, used for folk music (소아쟁, or sanjo ajaeng, 散調牙箏). Since the second half of the 20th century, many improved versions of the ajaeng have been created to play different musical ranges.

Description

The ajaeng has two types. The version used in court music is called jeongak ajaeng. The version used in folk music is called sanjo ajaeng. The original ajaeng, and the one used in court music (jeongak ajaeng), has seven strings. The ajaeng used for sanjo and sinawi (sanjo ajaeng) has eight strings.

• Types of ajaeng
• Jeongak ajaeng
• Sanjo ajaeng
• Improved ajaeng

The ajaeng is placed on a stand called a chosang. The player uses a bow or plucks the strings to play the instrument.

The ajaeng originated in China during the Tang dynasty. It was based on the Chinese yazheng, which was brought to Korea during the Goryeo dynasty.

In 1430, Uiryesangjeongso, the group responsible for organizing court music and ceremonies, helped arrange the Goryeo dynasty’s institutions. The ajaeng was included as one of the instruments used to perform Dangak. In the "Five manners" section of King Sejong’s records, the ajaeng is described as having seven strings. One string on the left was broken, and catters were placed on it.

According to Akhak gwebeom, the ajaeng was used only for Dangak before that time. However, during King Seongjong’s reign, it was also used for Hyangak.