Written qin music did not directly tell what notes were played like many outer musical instruments ; instead , it was written in a tablature detailing tuning , finger positions , and plucking technique , thus made up of a step by step method and description of how to play a piece . 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 .