What is the hornbostel sachs system of instruments classificatoin?

The Hornbostel-Sachs system of musical instrument classification is a hierarchical system that categorizes musical instruments based on their sound production. It was developed by Erich von Hornbostel and Curt Sachs in 1914 and has since become the most widely used system for classifying musical instruments.

The Hornbostel-Sachs system divides musical instruments into four main categories:

* Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of the body of the instrument itself. Examples include xylophones, marimbas, and gongs.

* Membranophones: Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of a stretched membrane. Examples include drums, tambourines, and banjos.

* Chordophones: Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of strings. Examples include guitars, violins, and pianos.

* Aerophones: Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of air. Examples include flutes, clarinets, and trumpets.

Each of these four main categories is further divided into subcategories, and each subcategory is further divided into more specific categories. For example, the category of idiophones is divided into the following subcategories:

* Struck idiophones: Instruments that are struck with a mallet or hammer. Examples include xylophones, marimbas, and gongs.

* Plucked idiophones: Instruments that are plucked with a finger or plectrum. Examples include harpsichords and pianos.

* Friction idiophones: Instruments that are rubbed with a stick or bow. Examples include glass armonicas and musical saws.

The Hornbostel-Sachs system is a comprehensive and systematic way of classifying musical instruments. It is used by musicians, musicologists, and other scholars to study and understand the different types of musical instruments that exist.