The guqin (古琴) is a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument. It has been played since ancient times, and has traditionally been favoured by scholars and literati as an instrument of great subtlety and refinement, as highlighted by the quote "a gentleman does not part with his qin or se without good reason," as well as being associated with the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. It is sometimes referred to by the Chinese as "the father of Chinese music" or "the instrument of the sages". The guqin is not to be confused with the guzheng, another Chinese long stringed instrument also without frets, but with moveable bridges under each string. (quote from Wiki)
The notation of the guqin is a unique form of tablature for the Chinese musical instrument, with a history of over 1,500 years, still in use today. Written qin music did not directly tell what notes were played; instead, it was written in a tablature detailing tuning, finger positions, and stroke technique, thus comprising a step by step method and description of how to play a piece. (quote from Wiki)
I and J have a guqin at home, but we are just beginners. "Mei Hua Sannong (梅花三弄)" is one of our favourite guqin melodies. The melody was originally created for flute during the 4th century, then later adapted for guqin. The guqin version was found in a book named "Shen Qi Mi Pu" in 1425, so it's at least 600 years sold. The theme has been repreated 3 times, to describe the plum blossom. The theme is easy enough for beginner to practice. If you are interested, here is the full version: 【古琴Guqin】《梅花三弄》Famous traditional Chinese music depicting plum blossoms - YouTube
For the puzzle: S34 5A.BCD E138 3F.EGH
Part one, 3rd note, string = A;
Part two, last note, hui (finger position) = B;
Part three, 8th note, hui (finger position) = C;
Part four, last note, hui (finger position) = D;
Part five, 5th note, string = E;
Part six, last note, which finger to use = F (if little finger = 1 and thumb = 5);
Part seven, 5th note, string = G;
Part eight, 3rd note, string = H.