Strumenti a corda

A banjo is a stringed musical instrument with a circular body, a long neck, and typically four to five strings. It is known for its bright, resonant sound and is commonly associated with folk, bluegrass, and country music. The banjo's unique tone comes from its drum-like body, which is covered with a thin membrane. Players pluck or strum the strings with their fingers or a pick, and the instrument is often used to provide rhythm and melody in various musical genres.

A bouzouki is a stringed instrument that originated in Greece and is known for its distinctive, bright sound. It has a long neck, a round or oval body, and usually features four pairs of strings that are tuned to the same notes. The bouzouki is played by strumming or plucking the strings and is commonly used in Greek folk and traditional music. It can vary in size and shape, but it is typically recognized for its rich, resonant tone and its role in adding rhythmic and melodic elements to music.

A bass guitar is a stringed instrument designed to provide the low-frequency foundation in various music genres. It typically has four strings, tuned an octave lower than a standard guitar, though five- and six-string versions are also common. The bass guitar features a long neck and a solid or semi-hollow body, and it is played by plucking or strumming the strings with fingers or a pick. It plays a crucial role in rhythm and harmony, offering a steady groove and complementing the harmonic structure of the music. The bass guitar's deep, resonant tones help anchor the overall sound of a band or ensemble.

The guzheng is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument with a history of over 2,500 years. It features a long, wooden soundboard with 21 to 26 strings stretched over movable bridges. The strings are plucked with the fingers or with plectra, creating a range of expressive and resonant sounds. The guzheng is known for its rich, melodic tones and is used in various musical settings, from classical Chinese ensembles to solo performances. It plays a significant role in Chinese music, offering both lyrical and dynamic qualities.

A harp is a stringed instrument with a large, triangular frame and a series of strings stretched vertically across it. It produces sound by plucking the strings with the fingers, which can be done using the fingertips or nails. The harp typically has a range of pedals or levers that allow the player to adjust the pitch of the strings, enabling the creation of different notes and chords. Harps come in various sizes and types, including the concert harp with pedals for orchestral music and the smaller, folk harp for traditional and popular music. Known for its beautiful, resonant sound and delicate appearance, the harp is used in many musical genres, from classical to folk and contemporary music.

A lute is a stringed musical instrument with a deep, rounded body and a long neck. It typically has a pear-shaped body with strings that are plucked with the fingers or a plectrum. The strings are arranged in pairs called courses, and the instrument is known for its warm, resonant sound. The lute was especially popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, often used for both solo performances and accompaniment in various musical genres. It is considered a predecessor to the modern guitar, and its music is often intricate, featuring a mix of melodies, harmonies, and complex fingerpicking techniques.

A mandolin is a small, stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body and a short neck. It typically has eight strings arranged in four pairs, which are tuned to the same notes. The mandolin is played by plucking the strings with a pick, and it produces a bright, sharp sound with a fast, rhythmic quality. Its compact size and bright tone make it popular in folk, bluegrass, and classical music. The mandolin’s distinctive sound comes from its double courses of strings and its resonant wooden body, which contribute to its clear and lively musical presence.

An oud is a traditional stringed instrument from the Middle East with a large, rounded body and a short neck. It typically has 11 or 13 strings arranged in five or six pairs, which are played by plucking with a plectrum. The oud produces a warm, resonant sound and is commonly used in classical Middle Eastern music, as well as in folk and contemporary styles. It lacks frets, allowing for smooth, sliding notes and expressive phrasing. The oud's distinctive tone and versatility make it a central instrument in Middle Eastern music.

A psaltery is an ancient stringed instrument that consists of a flat, wooden soundboard with strings stretched across it. The strings are either plucked with the fingers or a plectrum, or sometimes played with a bow. The psaltery can have different shapes, including triangular, rectangular, or trapezoidal, and it produces a clear, resonant sound. It was widely used in medieval and Renaissance music, often to accompany singing or other instruments. The psaltery is considered a precursor to the harpsichord and zither, and its simple yet melodic tones make it a distinctive part of early music traditions.

A cello is a stringed instrument from the violin family, known for its deep, rich sound. It has a large, rounded body and four strings, which are played with a bow or plucked with the fingers. The cello is held upright between the player's knees and rests on the floor with an endpin. It can produce a wide range of notes, from low, resonant tones to higher, more lyrical sounds. The cello plays a crucial role in orchestras and chamber music, often contributing both melody and harmony.

A Celtic harp is a traditional stringed instrument with a triangular frame and a gentle, curved neck. It is smaller than a concert harp and typically has between 22 and 38 strings made of nylon, gut, or metal. The strings are plucked with the fingers, producing a soft, melodic sound that is often associated with traditional Irish, Scottish, and Welsh music. The Celtic harp has a rich history and is known for its bright, resonant tones, which are used to play both folk melodies and more complex pieces. It is an iconic symbol of Celtic culture and continues to be popular in both traditional and contemporary music settings.

A cimbalom is a traditional stringed instrument from Central and Eastern Europe, particularly associated with Hungarian folk music. It has a large, trapezoidal wooden body with numerous strings stretched across its surface. The cimbalom is played by striking the strings with small, handheld hammers, producing a bright, resonant sound. The instrument is known for its versatility and can play both melody and accompaniment. The cimbalom is used in various musical genres, from classical to folk, and its distinctive sound adds a rich, percussive element to the music.

A santur is a traditional stringed instrument that originates from the Middle East, particularly Iran and surrounding regions. It has a trapezoid-shaped wooden body with numerous metal strings stretched across it. The santur is played by striking the strings with small hammers or beaters held in each hand, producing a bright, resonant sound. The instrument is versatile, capable of playing a wide range of notes, and is often used in classical and folk music. Its distinct sound and melodic capabilities make it an important instrument in various musical traditions throughout the Middle East and beyond.

A sarod is a traditional stringed instrument from India, widely used in classical Indian music. It has a deep, rounded body made of wood with a metal fingerboard and no frets. The sarod typically has four main melody strings and several additional strings that provide background resonance and enhance the sound. It is played with a plectrum and by sliding the fingers along the metal fingerboard, producing a rich, resonant sound with a smooth, sliding quality. The sarod is known for its deep, haunting tones and its ability to express complex melodies and rhythms, making it a prominent instrument in Indian classical music.

A sitar is a traditional stringed instrument from India, commonly used in classical Indian music. It has a long, hollow neck and a large, rounded body. The sitar typically has six or seven main strings used for playing melodies and several additional strings that resonate and create a fuller sound. It is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum called a "mizrab," and the player presses the strings against moveable frets to change the pitch. The sitar is known for its distinctive, twangy sound and its ability to produce intricate melodies and rhythms, making it a key instrument in Indian classical music.

A cittern is a stringed musical instrument that originated in Europe during the Renaissance period. It has a flat, pear-shaped body, a fretted neck, and usually features four to six courses of strings, with each course consisting of two strings tuned to the same note. The cittern is played by plucking or strumming the strings with a plectrum or fingers. It produces a bright, jangly sound and was commonly used in folk and popular music of the time. The instrument is known for its versatility and distinctive tone, making it a favorite in historical and folk music ensembles.

A tanpura, also known as a tambura, is a traditional Indian stringed instrument used primarily to provide a continuous background sound in classical and devotional music. It has a long neck and a large, resonant body, typically made of wood, with four or five strings stretched across it. The tanpura is played by plucking the strings to create a steady, harmonious sound that supports the melody. It does not play specific melodies or rhythms but instead creates a rich, sustaining backdrop that helps establish the key and mood of the music. The instrument is essential in Indian classical music and is used to support and enhance vocal and instrumental performances.

A viola is a stringed instrument that is slightly larger than a violin but smaller than a cello. It has a rich, warm sound and is played with a bow. The viola has four strings, and its notes are five notes lower than those of the violin, which gives it a deeper and mellower tone. It is commonly used in orchestras and chamber music, where it often plays harmonies and inner parts that support the melodies played by other instruments. The viola's distinctive sound adds depth and richness to both classical and contemporary music.

A violin is a small stringed instrument with a hollow wooden body, a neck, and four strings. It is played with a bow that is drawn across the strings to produce sound. The violin is known for its bright, expressive tone and is used in a wide range of music genres, from classical to folk and contemporary styles. It is tuned in perfect fifths and is often used for playing melodies, solos, and intricate musical passages. The violin's versatility and wide range of dynamics make it a central instrument in both orchestras and solo performances.

A zither is a stringed instrument with a flat, wooden body and strings stretched across it. The strings are typically plucked with the fingers or a plectrum. The zither can vary in size and shape, and it often has a range of strings, with some versions having a series of courses or groups of strings tuned to the same note. It produces a bright, resonant sound and is used in various musical traditions, including folk and classical music. The zither’s unique sound and playing technique make it a distinctive and versatile instrument in many musical settings.

A hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument that produces sound by turning a crank, which moves a wheel that rubs against the strings. It has a wooden body with keys that, when pressed, change the pitch of the strings. The instrument combines elements of a violin and a mechanical organ, creating a continuous, buzzing sound. The hurdy-gurdy is used in various musical traditions, including folk and medieval music, and is known for its unique, resonant tone and rhythmic qualities.

A kora is a traditional West African stringed instrument with a large, round body and a long wooden neck. It has 21 strings, which are stretched across the body and played by plucking with the fingers. The kora produces a bright, melodic sound and is often used in West African griot music, which includes storytelling and praise singing. The instrument is known for its rich, resonant tone and its ability to create intricate, flowing musical patterns.

A lyre is a stringed musical instrument with a U-shaped frame and strings stretched between the two arms of the frame. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum. The lyre has been used in various cultures throughout history, including ancient Greece and Mesopotamia, and is known for its gentle, harp-like sound. It typically has a small, resonant body and can vary in the number of strings, often ranging from five to ten. The lyre's melodious tones and historical significance make it a notable instrument in classical and ancient music traditions.

A thumb piano, also known as a kalimba or mbira, is a small, hand-held instrument with metal keys or tines attached to a wooden or resonant body. The keys are played by plucking them with the thumbs or fingers. The instrument produces a bright, melodic sound that is often used in African music, as well as in various contemporary styles. The thumb piano's compact size and unique, soothing tones make it popular for both solo performance and accompaniment.

A viol is a stringed instrument with a flat back and sides, similar to a violin but with a wider body and a longer neck. It typically has six or seven strings and is played with a bow. The viol is known for its rich, mellow sound and was commonly used in Renaissance and Baroque music. As an early predecessor to the modern violin, the viol laid the groundwork for the development of violin family instruments. It comes in various sizes, including tenor, bass, and treble, allowing it to play different ranges of music. The viol’s distinct tone and historical significance make it an important instrument in early classical music ensembles.

A violoncello, commonly known as the cello, is a stringed instrument with a deep, resonant sound and a large, hollow wooden body. It has four strings, which are tuned in perfect fifths, and is played by drawing a bow across the strings or by plucking them. The violoncello is held between the player’s knees while sitting, and its long neck allows the player to reach different pitches by pressing the strings against the fingerboard. It is used in a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music, and is known for its rich, expressive tones and wide range of dynamics.

A double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched stringed instrument in the violin family. It has a tall, hollow wooden body and four strings that are tuned in perfect fourths. The instrument is played either by drawing a bow across the strings or by plucking them. Due to its size, the double bass is typically played while standing or sitting on a high stool. It provides the bass foundation in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and various other musical groups, and is known for its deep, rich sound and wide range of notes.

A guitar is a stringed musical instrument with a flat, hollow body and a long neck. It typically has six strings, although variations with more or fewer strings exist. The strings are played by strumming or plucking with the fingers or a pick, and the pitch is altered by pressing the strings against the frets on the neck. Guitars come in various types, including acoustic, electric, and bass, each with its own unique sound and use in different musical genres. The guitar is widely used in many styles of music, from classical to rock and pop, due to its versatility and expressive range.

An electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses electronic pickups to convert the vibration of its strings into an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified and converted into sound through a speaker. Unlike acoustic guitars, which rely on their hollow body to amplify sound, electric guitars have a solid or semi-hollow body and are typically played with an amplifier. They can produce a wide range of sounds and effects through various controls and pedals, making them popular in many music genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and pop. The electric guitar is known for its versatility and ability to create powerful, dynamic tones.

A dulcimer, also known as a hammered dulcimer, is a stringed instrument with a trapezoidal wooden body and many metal strings stretched across it. It is played by striking the strings with small mallets or hammers to produce sound. The hammered dulcimer typically has a wide range of notes and is known for its bright, resonant tone. It is used in various musical styles, including folk, classical, and world music, and is valued for its ability to create intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns.

A marxophone is a stringed instrument with a flat, rectangular body and metal strings stretched across it. It is played by pressing keys or levers that activate small hammers, which strike the strings. This mechanism produces a bright, resonant sound. The marxophone is used in various musical settings, including folk and experimental music, and is known for its unique tone and distinctive playing style.

A crwth is a traditional Welsh stringed instrument with a rectangular wooden body and six strings. It is played with a bow and has a deep, resonant sound. The crwth was commonly used in Welsh folk music and is known for its unique shape and distinctive tone. It features a set of fingerboards and a curved bridge, which contribute to its rich, powerful sound. Although it is less commonly played today, the crwth remains an important part of Welsh musical heritage.

A Pikasso guitar is a highly unusual and complex stringed instrument designed by Linda Manzer, who created it for guitarist Pat Metheny. Metheny had requested a guitar with "as many strings as possible," leading to the creation of the Pikasso, which has 42 strings. The guitar features multiple necks and a large, asymmetrical body, allowing for a wide range of sounds and playing techniques. It includes four necks and various controls to shape its sound. The Pikasso guitar's innovative design enables the player to create a diverse array of tones and effects, making it a unique tool for experimental and fusion music.

A musical saw is a unique instrument that produces sound by bending a hand saw and using a bow to stroke its edge. The saw's flexible metal blade vibrates, creating different pitches depending on how it is bent and how the bow is applied. This instrument has a distinctive, eerie sound often compared to a human voice. It is used in various musical genres, including folk, classical, and experimental music, and is valued for its haunting, ethereal tones.

A rubab is a traditional stringed instrument from Central and South Asia, particularly popular in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has a large, resonant wooden body with a short neck and three to six strings. The rubab is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum. Its rich, warm sound is used in various types of music, including classical, folk, and devotional performances. The rubab's distinctive tone and versatile range make it an important instrument in the musical traditions of the region.