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# Things with Strings This section discusses various stringed instruments, categorized as chordophones. They have existed in diverse shapes and sizes since ancient times. These instruments produce sound by vibrating strings, which can be played with a bow, plucked by fingers, or struck with hamme...

# Things with Strings This section discusses various stringed instruments, categorized as chordophones. They have existed in diverse shapes and sizes since ancient times. These instruments produce sound by vibrating strings, which can be played with a bow, plucked by fingers, or struck with hammers. ## The Five Basic Types of Chordophones * **Lutes:** Strings are stretched over a resonator, along a neck (like guitars and violins). * **Zithers:** Strings are stretched over or within/between resonators. * **Harps:** Strings are slanted within a frame. * **Lyres:** Strings are raised on a bar, above the resonator. * **Musical Bows:** Strings are stretched from one end of a bow to the other. ## Specific Instruments Several examples of stringed instruments are presented, with details of their origin, shape, playing style, and cultural context. Some examples are: * **Yangqin (18th Century, China):** A trapezium-shaped Chinese hammered dulcimer, originating from Persia. Strings are struck with bamboo beaters. * **Zither (5th Century BCE, China):** An instrument that can have up to 45 strings. It has evolved from instruments played in China for over 2500 years and is played in Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Southern Germany. * **Irish Harp (9th Century, Ireland):** A small, portable harp, popular in Celtic folk music. * **Hurdy Gurdy (10th Century, Europe):** A mechanical violin-like instrument with a hand-turned wheel that passes across strings which have small wooden wedges to change the pitch. * **Krar (c. 2000 BCE, Ethiopia):** A decorated six-stringed bowl-shaped lyre, traditionally used in Ethiopian music. * **Medieval Lute (c. 1350-1400, Europe):** A popular instrument during medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods, accompanied songs. Became less common in the 1800s but is regaining interest. * **Balalaika (18th Century, Russia):** A Russian folk instrument with a triangular body and three strings. At least six variations exist, varying in size from low to high pitch. * **Berimbau (16th Century, Brazil):** Based on stringed instruments from Africa. It is the main instrument in Brazilian capoeira martial arts music. * **Sarangi (17th Century, South Asia):** A Hindustani classical instrument with three main strings and 30 "sympathetic" strings which create a complete sound. The provided text also includes a section titled "LISTEN TO THIS" suggesting some musical pieces that showcase early Chinese music.