Hornbostel-Sachs Instrument Classification System

The Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, developed by Erich Moritz von Hornbostel and Curt Sachs in 1914, categorises musical instruments into five main groups based on how they produce their sounds.

Here is a breakdown of the five groups:

1. Idiophones

• Idiophones are instruments that produce sound by the vibration of the instrument’s material itself, without the use of strings, membranes, or reeds.
• The term idiophone is derived from the Greek term “idio” which means “self”.
• This group generally contains almost all percussion instruments (except drums which are membranophones) alongside other instruments
• Examples:
• • Percussion: Xylophones, cymbals, maracas, castanets
  • Struck: Bells, steelpans, triangles

2. Membranophones

• Membranophones are instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane when struck, blown or moved by some other force.
• The term membranophone is derived from the word membrane.
• Examples:
• • Drums: Bass drum, snare drum, tabla, timpani
  • Singing Membranes: Kazoos
  • Other: Tambourine

3. Chordophones

• Chordophones are instruments that produce sound through the vibration of their strings.
• Examples:
• • String instruments: Violins, viola, cello, guitar, harp
  • Keyboard Instruments: Harpsichords, piano**

**Fun fact: When a key on the piano is pressed, a hammer strikes a string (or multiple strings for certain notes). The string vibrates, creating sound.

4. Aerophones

• Aerophones are instruments that produce sound through forcing columns of vibrating air through them.
• Examples:
• • Woodwinds: Flute, piccolo
  • Brass: Horn, trombone
  • Reed instruments:Oboe, clarinet (these instruments are also woodwinds.)

5. Electrophones

Electrophones are instruments that produce sound electronically (such as a synthesiser) or amplify acoustic sound (such as an electric guitar) electronically.

• Examples:
• • Synthesisers
  • Electric guitars
  • Electric drum machine
  • Electronic keyboard