similar to the koto but bowed The ajaeng is generally played while seated on the floor.

Some contemporary players prefer to use an actual horsehair bow rather than a stick, believing the sound to be smoother.

The traditional ajaeng is divided into a daeajaeng (Korean: 대아쟁; Hanja: 大牙箏) for jeongak (정악; 正樂) and a soajaeng for folk music (小牙箏, or sanjo ajaeng, 散調牙箏).

Since the second half of the 20th century, various improved ajaengs have been made and used to play various ranges.

On the 'Five manners' in the annals of King Sejong, it describes the appearance of the ajaeng.