* Produce sound by vibrating strings
* Strings can be plucked, bowed, or struck
* Examples of string instruments include the violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, and harp
Other instruments
* Produce sound by different means, such as:
* Wind instruments: produce sound by blowing air across a reed, tube, or mouthpiece. Examples include the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone
* Percussion instruments: produce sound by being struck or shaken. Examples include the drums, cymbals, maracas, and xylophone
* Keyboard instruments: produce sound by pressing keys that trigger hammers to strike strings or metal bars. Examples include the piano, organ, and harpsichord
Comparison of string instruments and other instruments
| Feature | String instruments | Other instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Sound production | Strings vibrate | Different means, such as blowing air, striking, or shaking |
| Examples | Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, harp | Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, cymbals, maracas, xylophone, piano, organ, harpsichord |
| Range of sounds | Wide range, from low to high | Varies depending on the instrument |
| Timbre | Varies depending on the instrument and playing technique | Varies depending on the instrument and playing technique |
| Dynamics | Can be played softly or loudly | Varies depending on the instrument and playing technique |
| Expression | Can be used to express a wide range of emotions | Varies depending on the instrument and playing technique |