Hmong regard the Keng as the most important musical instrument because they believe that the instrument could communicate with the dead. It is thus used in belief-related rituals. Belief in life after death leads to funeral rites. Belief in protection from evil leads to the buying ritual. Belief in reincarnation leads to the Tjorphli’ ritual. Belief in bad omens leads to sacrificial rituals for the dead. The instrument is used to play music for morning, noon and evening periods. It is forbidden to use it for entertainment purposes and women are forbidden to play it at funerals. However, it can be played for group relaxation and courting, while traveling, and on special occasions. The Hmong regard their Goddess as the guru of Keng. The Keng is an aerophone instrument with a single reed and six keynotes. The six keynotes are similar to the pentatonic keys with one octave difference from the first to the sixth keys. These conventional keys have still been maintained despite players being more familiar with the equal temperament of world music.