The pipa (pee-pah) is most likely related to which world instrument?

The pipa is most likely related to the oud because both instruments share a common ancestry and have similar structural characteristics. The pipa is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument that belongs to the family of lutelike instruments. The oud, prevalent in Middle Eastern music, is also a lute-type instrument. They both have a rounded back, a short neck, and are played by plucking the strings, which creates a distinct melodic quality.

The pipa and ouds, despite being from different cultural backgrounds, reflect similar playing techniques and musical roles within their respective musical traditions. This connection is particularly evident in their use in both folk and classical music settings. While the sitar and banjo also have string instruments, their design and playing styles diverge significantly from that of the pipa. The sitar has a different number of strings and is more associated with Indian classical music, while the banjo is typically recognized in American folk and bluegrass music, with a completely different structure and playing technique.