This week’s five cool tips brings you the best tips on how to play traditional Khmer instruments. Then read on now!

How to play Chhing

Ching is a kind of ancient Khmer instrument made from copper or iron. The instrument produces two different sounds: the lighter sound called ‘chhing’ and the heavier sound called ‘chhepp. The idea is to make the first lid hit the second lid and so lift it up to make the ‘chhing’ sound – hence the name of the instrument.

????????How to play Kaen

Learning to blow the Khene is just like learning to play any instrument: you have to learn the melody and then practice hard by yourself. You have to learn what different chords sound like. Pressing down different fingers creates different sounds. The thumb must press the first chord, the index can press the second and third, while the little finger reaches out to press the eight, the smallest chord at the end.

How to hold Khloy

A khloy is a kind of Khmer flute that comes in many varieties. You can hold it either way up, depending on the skill of the blower. Use your left hand it hold the top and your right hand to hold the bottom. Using the thumb of your left hand to close the hole under the Khloy and use your index finger to close the top side.

How to hit Roneat Ek

Roneat Ek is similar to a Western xylophone. When you hit your hand on the instrument it can produce two different sounds: one high and one low. To make a good sound, hit eight pairs of notes together. Another tip is to hit the notes using your hands instead of with the stick.

How to play chapei dong veng

The chapei dong veng is a Khmer instrument that usually has two strings but sometimes has four. Tune the strings and hold the instrument close to your neck. Use the right hand to strum and the left to control the strings between your thumb and the other four fingers that press onto the strings.