String instrument

A string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound via vibrating strings. Some common string instruments are the guitar, violin, and piano. These three instruments demonstrate three different types of stringed instruments; on the guitar, strings are plucked with the fingers or with a pick. On the violin, the strings may also be plucked (see pizzicato), but they are more commonly bowed; the musician uses a special apparatus called a bow to make the strings vibrate. On the piano, the musician seldom pays attention to the strings; the musician plays a keyboard which, via a system of levers, causes felt hammers to strike the strings inside.

More examples of string instruments:

• Bowed String Instruments:
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass
  • Viol da gamba

• Plucked/Strummed String Instruments:
  • Guitar
  • Banjo
  • Sitar
  • Sarod
  • Mandolin
  • Harp
  • Dulcimer

• Keyboard String Instruments:
  • Piano
  • Harpsichord
  • Hammered Dulcimer - this is a special case in which the strings are "hammered" with felt-covered sticks, but not played with a keyboard.