1. Percussion: Clay percussion instruments, such as clay drums or clay pots, produce sounds when they are struck with sticks or mallets. The vibrations caused by the impact create sound waves. The shape, size, and thickness of the clay body determine the pitch and timbre of the sound.
2. Wind Instruments: Clay wind instruments, like ocarinas or clay whistles, produce sounds when air is blown into them. The air flows through a chamber inside the instrument, creating vibrations. These vibrations are amplified and shaped by the resonating chamber, resulting in a musical tone. The size and shape of the chamber, as well as the placement and size of the holes, affect the pitch and tone quality.
3. Stringed Instruments: Some clay instruments, such as clay xylophones or clay harps, are classified as stringed instruments. In these instruments, clay is used as the base, and strings made of materials like nylon or metal are stretched over it. When the strings are plucked or struck, they vibrate and produce sound. The tension of the strings, the length, and the materials used affect the pitch and tone of the instrument.
It's important to note that the specific details of how a particular clay instrument produces sound may vary depending on the design and construction of the instrument.