Chordophone Online

Chordophones are divided into five categories based on the relationship between the strings and the resonator: Description Common Examples Strings stretch across a resonator and up a neck. Guitar, Violin, Lute, Banjo Zithers Strings are stretched across the body with no neck. Piano, Harpsichord, Dulcimer, Koto Harps Strings are stretched at an angle to the resonator. Orchestral Harp, Irish Harp Lyres Strings run to a crossbar held away from the resonator. Classical Greek Lyre Musical Bows

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

💡 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 chordophone

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 .

Sweeping across multiple strings (e.g., banjo, guitar). The Five Main Types Chordophones are divided into five categories based on

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.

Hitting the strings with hammers or sticks (e.g., piano , hammered dulcimer). Orchestral Harp, Irish Harp Lyres Strings run to

Using fingers or a plectrum (e.g., harp, guitar, ukulele ).