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3.3.7 Chordophones: Definition, How They Work, and List of Instruments
Chordophones include all stringed instruments, not just instruments that you can play chords on.
Chordophones work like this:
- You pluck, bow, or hammer the string(s), setting the string in motion.
- A bridge (the intermediary) transmits the vibration of the string to the resonator, such as the body of a guitar or fiddle, or the soundboard inside a piano
- The resonator, being much more massive than the string, amplifies the vibration of the string(s).
Some important chordophones are:
- Guitars, banjos and other lute-type instruments
- Harps (Celtic, concert, etc.)
- String section instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass
- Pianos (the piano is often mistakenly thought to be a percussion instrument because hammers hit strings)
- Zithers