Plucking:
* Zithers: Strings are plucked with the fingers or a plectrum (pick).
* Harps: Strings are plucked with the fingers, often using a specific technique for each hand.
* Lutes: Strings are plucked with the fingers, using a combination of picking and strumming techniques.
* Guitars: Strings are plucked with the fingers or a pick.
* Ukuleles: Strings are plucked with the fingers or a pick.
* Banjos: Strings are plucked with the fingers, using a unique "clawhammer" technique or a pick.
* Mandolins: Strings are plucked with a pick.
Bowing:
* Violins: A horsehair bow is drawn across the strings, causing them to vibrate.
* Violas: Similar to violins, but with a slightly deeper sound.
* Cellos: Similar to violins, but with a larger size and a richer sound.
* Double basses: Similar to cellos, but much larger and with a very deep sound.
* Fiddles: Similar to violins, but often played in a more improvisational and folk style.
Hammering:
* Pianos: Hammers strike the strings, creating a sound that can be controlled by the player's touch.
* Harpsichords: Plectra attached to jacks strike the strings, producing a crisp, bright sound.
* Clavichords: Metal tangents are pressed against the strings, causing them to vibrate.
Other Techniques:
* Keyboard Instruments: Some keyboard instruments, like the dulcimer, use a combination of plucking, hammering, or even striking the strings with mallets.
* Lyres: These ancient instruments often feature strings that are plucked with the fingers or a plectrum.
* Kotos: These Japanese string instruments are plucked with fingerpicks.
* Sitars: These Indian instruments feature strings that are plucked with a plectrum.
The specific techniques for playing each type of chordophone are quite varied, and some instruments allow for a combination of techniques. For instance, a guitarist may use a pick for some parts of a song and fingers for others.
The choice of playing technique also depends on the desired sound and musical style. For example, a bowed violin produces a smooth, continuous tone, while a plucked guitar typically creates a more percussive sound.