Hitting the strings with hammers or sticks (e.g., piano , hammered dulcimer).
Drawing a bow across strings to create sustained friction (e.g., violin, cello).
Sweeping across multiple strings (e.g., banjo, guitar). The Five Main Types chordophone
Using fingers or a plectrum (e.g., harp, guitar, ukulele ).
A simple string stretched between two ends of a flexible stick. Berimbau, Ancient Bows ⏳ Historical Context Hitting the strings with hammers or sticks (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.
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 . The Five Main Types Using fingers or a plectrum (e
💡 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