The Mystery of the Piano: Unraveling Why It Isn’t a Percussion Instrument

When discussing musical instruments, the piano often appears in a category of its own. Despite its similarities with other stringed instruments, it is not typically considered a percussion instrument. This article explores the reasons behind this categorization and delves deeper into the fascinating world of keyboard instruments.

Why Isn't the Piano Considered a Percussion Instrument?

Historical Context

Historically, the piano has been categorized as a stringed instrument. The reason for this lies in its sound production mechanism. Stringed instruments, such as violins, cellos, guitars, and mandolins, generate sound by plucking, strumming, or bowing the strings. Similarly, the harpsichord, another keyboard instrument, is often classified as a stringed instrument due to the mechanism that plucks the strings.

On the other hand, percussion instruments, by definition, produce sound by striking or beating an object. This definition aligns with the piano's mechanism of sound production, which involves the strings being struck by hammers to produce sound. However, despite this, the piano is generally not considered a percussion instrument. Why?

Understanding the Classifications

Percussion Instruments: Hitting, Not Striking

The classification of percussion instruments is based on striking, not merely hitting. While a piano uses a striking mechanism with hammers, the act of striking in a piano is more about the interaction between the strings and the hammers, rather than simply hitting a surface. This subtle difference can be confusing but is fundamental in defining the category of instruments.

For example, the celesta, an instrument with metal rods that are struck by hammers, is indeed considered a percussion instrument. Similarly, electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and other electronic instruments are classified separately due to their reliance on electronic signals to produce sound.

Keyboard Instruments: More Than Just Piano

Categorizing Keyboard Instruments

While the piano is a keyboard instrument, the term "keyboard" should not encompass all stringed and percussion instruments. The categorization of keyboard instruments varies based on the method of sound production. Some are stringed instruments, like the harpsichord, while others, like the organ and accordion, are wind instruments. Electronic keyboards and synthesizers are classified separately due to their reliance on electronic signals and speakers to produce sound.

This distinction highlights that the way the instrument is fingered is not the defining trait. Rather, it is the method of sound production that determines the classification of the instrument. Be it air, strings, hammers, or electronic signals, the mechanism that generates the sound is the key to understanding the classification.

Jazz and Piano: A Case Study

The Rhythm Section

In jazz, the piano often takes on a pivotal role in the "rhythm section". This classification further reinforces the piano's position as a stringed instrument rather than a percussion instrument. Within the rhythm section, the piano is often seen as providing harmonic and rhythmic support alongside drums, bass, and other rhythmic instruments.

Toto's main keyboardist was also known to suggest that the piano could serve as a percussion instrument, emphasizing the unique sound production mechanism. However, in traditional usage, the piano is categorized separately to highlight the distinct nature of its sound production.

Conclusion

The piano's classification as a stringed instrument, despite its striking mechanism, is rooted in long-standing musical conventions and the specific classification system used in the music industry. Understanding this distinction can help musicians and music enthusiasts better appreciate the unique qualities and role of the piano in various musical genres and compositions.

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Keywords: piano, stringed instrument, percussion instrument, chordophone