Do you know the classification of string instruments based on method of producing sound?

When classifying string instruments based on the method used to produce sound, three types can be mentioned: plucked, struck and bowed. The most popular string instruments are cello, harp, guitar, double bass, banjo, mandolin and violin although there are many others that can be used. In the past centuries, music was incorporated in our day-to-day life and it can be said that it is impossible not to hear hundreds of songs in every single weak. Hundreds of genres and sub-genres appeared with string instruments being really popular in most of them.

It needs to be understood that string instruments basically produce sounds thanks to the vibration of 1 or more strings. The sound will be transmitted through the body of the instrument and it will be amplified at the same time. Striking string instruments see a hammer being used to hit strings and they are mechanically action controlled. The most common examples of such instruments are the hammered dulcimer, the clavichord and the piano. Violins stand out as bowed string instruments. Such instruments will produce sound through the use of a bow, which has many hairs. These hairs are responsible for making strings vibrate when they are rubbed on it. Besides violins like the viola or the cello, other bowed instruments that are used around the world include the erhu, nyckelharpa, igil, rebec, kokyu and hardingfele.

When referring to plucking, we see a plectrum, finger or thumb being utilized in order to play string instruments like lutes, banjos, guitars, mandolins and many others. In the past, we also had harpsichords that used quills made out of feathers. Sound was created through string plucking but this changed as the modern harpsichords utilize plastic plectra. Only antique harpsichords that feature quills still exist and they are not used in concerts anymore.

All string instruments will depend on materials and shapes that are used in order to produce various musical sounds. When designing any instrument, there is a lot of attention that is paid to such specific details. Instrument length determines sound produced and play mode. Length will always be measured from a bridge to a nut on all bowed and plucked string instruments. Note differences are determined based on tension and length of the chords that are utilized. One chord is capable of producing numerous notes. The use of different strings is necessary in order to cover as many musical notes as possible. When only one string is used, there are limitations that make it impossible to play a complex melody.

One example of a string instrument that is capable of producing different musical notes is the piano. It features numerous strings that are utilized to create one note. The violin and the guitar will feature stoppable stings. The player can stop the vibration with the use of fingers or special mechanical devices like hurdy gurdys, which will be placed on fingerboards attached to the neck of the instrument. Kotos bridges can also be utilized but they need to be manually moved by a player during music piece play.

Sharen - About Author:
After knowing about the string instruments, do you know about the classification in the brass instruments?

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/music-articles/do-you-know-the-classification-of-string-instruments-based-on-method-of-producing-sound.htm

Related Music Articles

Related Music Topics

luidsprekers luidspreker dj booking dj hochzeit singer martin guitars sonos play 3 music player hi vis jackets motorola radio