In many kanteles, the middle register sounds more effortless and vibrant than the others, so the greatest opportunities for creating different nuances of timbre are in this register.

Usually the strings are plucked in the area from the C and G marks to the midpoint. However, the plucking area can reach as far as the attachment points of the string – the plucking area varies according to the nature of the music. (See Touch variations: The finger's touching point on the string) 

You can modify the touch of your fingers and their contact surface in various ways. (See Touch variations: Fingertip touch and contact surface)  

Example: Trad. Pilvet on taivahalla

This folksong fragment is played with small variations of timbre that are produced by varying touch:

• The musician varies the point of touch of the fingers by moving between the midpoint and the C and G marks.
• Little changes in fingertip touch influence the timbre, which varies between narrower and wider.
   
  • Try different touch variations on your own kantele.
  • If you want to create greater timbral differences, you can for example
    • vary the point of touch on the strings even more
    • vary the contact surface of the fingertip between wide and narrow 
    • grasp the strings firmly or gently