Although the piano can be classified as a string instrument due to the fact that the sounds come from the vibration of strings, it can also be classified as a percussion instrument because a hammer strikes those strings. In this way it is similar to a dulcimer.

Why is a piano considered a string instrument?

Inside a piano, there are strings, and there is a long row of uniformly rounded felt-covered hammers. ... So, the piano also falls into the realm of percussion instruments. As a result, today the piano is generally considered to be both a stringed and a percussion instrument.

Why is the piano a string and percussion instrument?

Summary. A piano produces sound when hammers hit the strings. As such, one would argue that the piano is a percussion instrument. It can also be categorized as a stringed instrument because it has strings stretched between two points, and most importantly, it produces sound when these strings vibrate.