The way to classify instruments has changed through time. This is one of the possible classifications: string instruments, wind instruments and percussion instruments.
A) STRING INSTRUMENTS
They produce sound when a stretched string vibrates because it is either struck, plucked or bowed. Consequently, there are three types of string instruments.
Bowed string instruments
These instruments produce sound when the player rubs the strings with a bow, for example, violin, viola, cello, double bass. A violin and a double bass may also be plucked with fingers, this technique is called pizzicato.
Plucked string instruments
The sound of these instruments is produced when the tensioned strings are pulled or released making them vibrate. Players can pluck the strings with their fingers or a plectrum. These instruments usually consist of a resonating body and a neck where the strings run along. However, harps, lyres and harpsichords have another shape. Examples of plucked string instruments are guitars, banjos and mandolins.
Struck string instruments
These instruments have got strings whose sound is produced because there is an element that strikes the strings. That's why they are also considered percussion instruments. The strings in a piano are struck by a soft hammer controlled by a mechanism, in a hammered dulcimer, the players strike the strings with a hammer. Another instrument in this group is the clavichord, whose strings are pressed by a brass tangent.
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