The Charm of Thai Zither (Ja-Khey) of Kru-Ratee Wisetsurakarn

Abstract

This academic paper aims to present the principles of playing Thai zither (Ja-Khey) in accordance with the guidelines of Kru-Ratee Wisetsurakarn in the context of organizing the player’s position while playing. The principles of playing Thai zither (Ja-Khey), in addition, should be practiced in all aspects to achieve style and sound quality like Kru-Ratee Wisetsurakan as a model. This paper is viewed through the perspective from experience of Kru-Chidpong Songsermvorakul by interviewing together with additional enquiries from Thai zither (Ja-Khey) experts as well as collecting data from research, publication, and related academic documents.
Kru-Ratee Wisetsurakarn is one of the most famous zealots inherited from the 3 teachers, Kru-Choom Kamolwatin, Kru-Chang Sangdaoden, and Kru-Sawang Aphaiyawong. Kru-Ratee Wisetsurakarn is a tour de force and has a unique talent known as “sharp, fast, sway, smooth, obvious, and crystal clear.” Most disciples in the academy were inherited from his style as a primary model. Kru-Chidpong Songsermvorakul is considered an important disciple who has been inherited directly from Kru-Ratee Wisetsurakarn until he succeeded with both skills and virtues and is respected and accepted by the zither players in the academy and the other zither players in the Thai music industry.