The piano is a complex instrument, incorporating both string and percussive elements. It operates through a series of mechanisms: each key on an acoustic piano is connected to a hammer that strikes a string when pressed. The strings vary in length and thickness, producing different pitches.
The best way to imagine the inside of a piano is like a harp, but instead of playing the strings with your fingers, you hit the keys, which then activate the strings via a hammer.
So, with all this in mind, you might be wondering, what kind of instrument is the piano? Officially, the piano is a chordophone – a type of string instrument – and part of the percussion family. In this article, we take a deeper look into what kind of instrument the piano is and explore the chordophone family.
Is the piano a percussion or a string instrument?
Interestingly, the piano is both a percussion and string instrument. This makes it a part of the chordophone family as well as the percussion family.
The chordophone, a term that’s not widely used, is an instrument with strings that are stretched between fixed points. Examples of this are a violin, a guitar, or a harp.
Whilst the piano has vibrating strings to qualify it for the chordophone family, it also relies on hammers to strike these strings, which is why it is also a percussion instrument – like a xylophone or drum. As we covered above, a piano creates a sound when a key is pressed. This key triggers a felt-covered hammer that strikes the appropriate string, causing it to vibrate and produce sound.
When the key is released, the strings are dampened, and the note is sustained. The percussive action of the string being stuck is what sets the piano apart from other chordophones. Other chordophone instruments such as harps, dulcimers, or lutes require plucking or bowing to get a sound.
Hybrid pianos feature the same key mechanisms as an acoustic piano but without the strings. To play these, you press the key, which triggers a hammer, but rather than hitting a string, the hammer hits a sensor to produce the sound. The Kawai Novus NV series is a great example of a digital piano classed as a chordophone.
If you like the complexity and beauty of a piano’s construction but want the modern technology of digital pianos, hybrid pianos are a great option. They give you all the resonance of an acoustic instrument along with features like volume control, multiple instrument sounds, and touchscreen interaction.
But how does this relate to chordophones? Well, as stated before, hybrid pianos still use hammer mechanisms to create multi-pitched sounds, they might use sensors in the place of strings, but they’re still classed as chordophones.
More about chordophone instruments
Chordophone instruments produce sound through vibrating strings that are stretched between fixed points. Usually, they’re played by plucking, bowing, or striking the strings. Lutes, harps, violins, and pianos all fall under the chordophone umbrella.
Historically, chordophones have been a big part of music across various cultures and purposes, from ceremonies to storytelling. Each of these instruments has evolved and is used in music today, for example, the lute has developed into modern guitars, and the violin has branched out from the Middle East to Western classical music.
You’ll find chordophones in all genres of music, from rock, pop, and folk to classical.
FAQs
What instrument category is a piano?
A piano is classified as both a percussion and string instrument. It produces sound by hammers striking strings, making it part of the string family. But as it uses hammers to strike the strings, it also falls into the percussion category. This dual nature makes the piano unique among musical instruments.
Is a keyboard a string instrument?
A keyboard is not a string instrument, it is an electronic instrument. Unlike an acoustic piano, which uses strings and hammers, a keyboard generates sound digitally or through electronic circuits. Some keyboards mimic string instrument sounds, but they do not produce sound through vibrating strings.
What genres is the piano used in?
A piano is used across multiple genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and blues. Its versatility allows it to adapt to various musical styles, from intricate classical compositions to modern pop ballads. Whether as a solo instrument or part of an ensemble, the piano remains central to many genres.
Final thoughts
All in all, the piano is the ultimate hybrid instrument, bridging the gap between percussion and strings. Officially, it’s classed as chordophone, and it’s been used to create some of the finest musical works in history, ranging from Mozart to Elton John.
If you’ve enjoyed this article why not check out the following links?
The Ultimate Guide to Piano Keys
The 27 Most Famous Pianists in History
Hybrid Pianos – What’s The Deal?
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