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What are the major categories of musical instruments?

Idiophones:

Idiophones are instruments that produce sound by vibrating the entire instrument. Examples include xylophones, glockenspiels, and castanets.

Membranophones:

Membranophones are instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane. Examples include drums, tambourines, and timpani.

Chordophones:

Chordophones are instruments that produce sound by vibrating a string or strings. Examples include guitars, violins, and harps.

Aerophones:

Aerophones are instruments that produce sound by vibrating a column of air. Examples include flutes, clarinets, and trumpets.

Electrophones:

Electrophones are instruments that produce sound by converting electrical signals into sound waves. Examples include synthesizers, electric guitars, and drum machines.

Musical Instruments

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