 Aerophones – musical instrument classification by Erich von Hornbostel - Curt Sachs, in which the generator of sound is the vibration of a column of air. Basic types include a) free aerophones - vibrating air is not contained in an instrument itself, i.e., bullroarer; b) whistle – air is blown at a sharp edge IN the instrument, i.e., whistles, recorders; c) blowhole instrument– air is blown across a sharp edge, splitting the air column – both “end-blown” and “side-blown” instruments, i.e., flute, panpipes; d) reed instruments – reed(s) begin the air vibration - three classifications include single reed, i.e., clarinet, saxophone; double reed. i.e., oboe, shawm; and free-reed, i.e., accordion, harmonica; and e) lip mouthpiece instruments – the player busses their lips, causing a sympathetic vibration in the air inside the instrument. |
 Chordophones –– class of musical instruments in which the generator of sound is a vibrating stretched string. Basic types that may be plucked, bowed, or hammered, include zithers, lutes, lyres, harps, and musical bows. It is one of the four main categories in the original Erich von Hornbostel - Curt Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification |
 Idiophones – class of musical instruments in which the generator of sound is the object itself – a resonant solid material, such as wood, metal, or stone. Basic types of idiophones include, percussion, concussion, friction, plucked, scraped, shaken, stamped, and stamping. It is one of the four main categories in the original Erich von Hornbostel - Curt Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification. |
 Membranophones – class of musical instruments in which the generator of sound is the vibration of a stretched skin or membrane. Basic types of membranophones include drums, mirlitons, or kazoos, and friction drums. It is one of the four main categories in the original Erich von Hornbostel - Curt Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification. |
