Abstract: The most popular type of zither in Chinese music is called the Guqin. This is a chordophone that produces a very distinct timbre of bright, full, yet peaceful. There are a lot of differences between the traditional use of the zither compared to the modern use. Traditionally this was a form sound that had a more scratchy overtone and was used in context with poetry or philosophy, and only used the pentatonic scale for the most part. The modern approach to this instrument is more Westernized to suit popular music tastes. Another key modern part is that this instrument has been proven to help patients who suffer from symptoms of insomnia. This music is beautiful in all ways, but the fact that it has been used to help people and bring groups of people together is very important to note.