Musicologist: Classification of a musical instrument depends on the mechanical action through which it produces musi...

Naz on December 15, 2014

We are told that the proper way one should classify a musical instrument should depend on the mechanical action through which it produces music. For this reason, it is proper to classify the piano as a percussion instrument, as opposed to a stringed instrument. Why? Because even though the vibration of the piano's strings is what makes its sound, the strings are made to vibrate through the impact of the hammers, which is the mechanical action that determines the classification.

Remember that a conclusion will never support anything else. It is clear that the first sentence is supporting the second sentence. You can see clear evidence of this through the use of the word "so." The second sentence uses the first sentence as proof to conclude that the piano is properly called a percussion instrument, i.e. the first statement supports the second statement.

The entire argument is made to prove that a piano is a percussion instrument, as opposed to a stringed instrument. It uses the first sentence as a principle rule and explains--through the third sentence--how even though the vibration of the piano's strings is what causes its sound, if we are to follow the principle rule, then the mechanical action, which causes it to vibrate, is through a percussive action.

Hope that clears things up! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Lucas on December 6, 2019

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