( JPEG format )The performer places the instrument on the right knee, with the neck at a diagonal to his torso, and plucks the strings with the fingers of the right hand. There are five strings of silk and nylon arranged in three courses; the outer ones have double strings, tuned in unison, while the inner course is single. Melody is played on the first course, while the other courses have chordal and drone functions. Used in various traditional styles as a solo, ensemble and accompaniment instrument.