Chordophone

Hitting the strings with hammers or sticks (e.g., piano , hammered dulcimer).

While Western traditions often group these as the "string family," the chordophone designation is more inclusive, covering global instruments like the Chinese , the Spanish vihuela , and the Ukrainian bandura . chordophone

Using fingers or a plectrum (e.g., harp, guitar, ukulele ). Hitting the strings with hammers or sticks (e

Drawing a bow across strings to create sustained friction (e.g., violin, cello). Drawing a bow across strings to create sustained friction (e

Chordophones are among the oldest known musical tools. Recent archaeological finds in uncovered a 2,000-year-old stringed instrument made from deer antler, marking it as one of the earliest chordophones found in Southeast Asia.

💡 Every instrument you play by vibrating a string—from a massive concert grand piano to a tiny ukulele—is technically a chordophone . 2,000-year-old stringed instrument uncovered in Vietnam

Sweeping across multiple strings (e.g., banjo, guitar). The Five Main Types