Musical instrument classification
Grouping musical instruments / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In organology, the study of musical instruments, many methods of classifying instruments exist. Most methods are specific to a particular cultural group and were developed to serve that culture's musical needs. Culture-based classification methods sometimes break down when applied outside that culture. For example, a classification based on instrument use may fail when applied to another culture that uses the same instrument differently.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Agricola.jpeg/220px-Agricola.jpeg)
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2022) |
In the study of Western music, the most common classification method divides instruments into the following groups:
- String instruments (often subdivided between plucked and bowed instruments);
- Wind instruments (often subdivided between woodwinds and brass);
- Percussion instruments; and
- Electronic instruments