All around the world, musicians use stringed instruments to make music. The way musicians play these instruments creates beautiful and distinctive sounds. In this episode, say hello to chordophones! Chordophones are instruments that make sound from the vibration of strings. Checkout how musicians like John Legend, Michiyo Yagi and Johann Strauss II have made chordophones sing with different articulations.

Stuff to think about after you’ve listened:


Which articulations stood out to you when listening to the chordophones? Are there articulations you want to hear again?
Can you name other instruments that are chordophones that were not discussed in this episode?


Ready to explore more empowering musical stories? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music.

This is one of six Music Blocks episodes exploring your favorite sounds and the instrument families that create them. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org.

Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org

Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio.

Hosts: Rebekah Romberg and Luis Antonio Perez

Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg

Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D.

Additional editorial support: Emily Williams, Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Kibwe Cooper

Editor & Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Thank you: Monika Vischer and Scott Clemens at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, María Juliana Pinzón, Arielle Wilson, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.