Is a Mbira a Chordophone: Exploring the Complexity of Musical Classifications

The world of musical instruments can be bewilderingly complex. One question that often arises among music enthusiasts and students is whether a mbira fits the classification of a chordophone. To understand this, we must first delve into the definition and nature of chordophones and the nature of the mbira itself.

Understanding Chordophones

Chordophones are instruments that produce sound when a string is made to vibrate. This definition includes a wide variety of instruments such as violins, guitars, harps, and cellos. The term "chordophone" is not limited to instruments that play chords—they are simply instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings.

Chordophones vs. Chordal Instruments

It’s important to note that the term "chordophone" does not refer to "chords" as in simultaneously played musical notes. Many chordophones can indeed produce multiple notes at once, but this is not a requirement. The mbira, while capable of playing multiple notes, does so through the vibration of metal bars called tines, rather than by strings.

The Nature of the Mbira

The mbira is a fascinating instrument from Southern Africa. It is better described as an idiophone. An idiophone is an instrument where the fundamental body work is made to vibrate. In the case of the mbira, the tines (metal bars) are the vibrating elements. Unlike a tuning fork, which is also an idiophone, the mbira often has its own resonator, enhancing the sound.

Resonators and Amplification

A resonator is a device that amplifies and focuses the sound produced by the vibrating element. Resonators are common in many string instruments such as guitars and violins, but they are not unique. For example, the mbira can be placed on a table or a wooden box to amplify its sound, much like a string instrument. However, the mbira does not inherently have this feature integrated into its fundamental design, as some traditional mbiras are without any resonator.

Differences Between Mbira and Tuning Fork

The mbira, similar to a tuning fork, is an idiophone, meaning its body works to produce sound. However, there are key differences. A tuning fork has no resonator and is not typically used as a musical instrument to create music. Instead, it is a calibrated tool used to check the pitch of other instruments. The mbira, on the other hand, can be used to produce musical compositions, making it a versatile and culturally significant instrument.

Playing and Amplification

When played, a tuning fork does not have mechanisms to amplify its sound. You either place it close to your ear or rest the base of its handle on a table or another resonator like a guitar. The mbira, by contrast, can be played with just its tines being struck or plucked, and its inherent design is such that the sound resonates through the instrument's body. However, the mbira can also benefit from the presence of a resonator, enhancing its volume and tone.

Conclusion

In summary, while the mbira can be classified as an idiophone, it does not fit the strict definition of a chordophone. The mbira produces sound through the vibration of its metal tines, a characteristic of idiophones, rather than strings (chordophones). Understanding the nuanced differences between these classifications enriches our appreciation of the wide variety of musical instruments and their unique sounds and designs.