Common in many cultures throughout the ages, the dizi is the Chinese version of the transverse flute. Whereas the dizi’s ancient ancestors were made from bone, the dizi as we know it today is most commonly made from bamboo, sometimes from stone and in some cases from jade.

The dizi has six finger holes with a seventh hole covered with rice paper to produce a buzzing sound. Though it doesn’t sound anything

like it, the principle is similar to that of the kazoo.

Modern dizi may have additional keys to help with accidentals, but traditionally players would have a set of dizi to use in different keys (similar to the way harmonica players may change instruments for different keys). Since it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to make, the dizi has been popular in Chinese folk music throughout the ages, but also in Chinese operas and orchestras.