While Western traditions often group these as the "string family," the chordophone designation is more inclusive, covering global instruments like the Chinese , the Spanish vihuela , and the Ukrainian bandura .
Using fingers or a plectrum (e.g., harp, guitar, ukulele ). chordophone
Chordophones are among the oldest known musical tools. Recent archaeological finds in uncovered a 2,000-year-old stringed instrument made from deer antler, marking it as one of the earliest chordophones found in Southeast Asia. While Western traditions often group these as the
Hitting the strings with hammers or sticks (e.g., piano , hammered dulcimer). covering global instruments like the Chinese