The koto (į´ or įŽ) is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument derived from the Chinese zither (guzheng). The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about 180 centimetres (71 in) long, and made from kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa). They have 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the length of the instrument. Players can adjust the string pitches by moving these bridges before playing, and use three finger picks (on thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings. .
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