Yao Zi, which is played using the right hand by clenching the fist and placing and thumb over the index finger and then using the middle finger to support the index finger which will in turn support the thumb. This method is often used to play the melody of a piece of music.

Da Cuo, which can be played using either the right hand , left hand or both. When it is played using the left hand, it is usually to produce the base sound and to enhance the music. Da Cuo is played by using the thumb and the middle finger, it only play the octave notes. As it is seen in the video, while the right hand is playing the Da Cuo, the left hand is positioned on the left side of the guzheng and presses down the string to produce the effect of the sound, this is called Can Yin.