What Are Stringed Instruments?

Any instrument that produces sound by means of vibration of strings is called a stringed instrument. In some circles it is also known as a chordophone. In the western music; all possible instruments that fall under the violin, the piano and the guitar category are classified as string instruments. For a string instrument to work, the string must vibrate in order for it to produce sound. This can happen primarily by plucking i.e. using ones finger or a plectrum, bowing which implies the use of a bow across the strings or striking which involves striking the hammer against the string so as to produce sound such as in the piano. Some of the techniques however can be interchanged and used for instruments that fall in any or either of the categories. A world famous musician for example used to play his electric guitar using a violin bow.