Stringed instruments can be played by plucking, striking, or bowing the strings. Many string instruments can be played using any of those three techniques. Some, like the harp and guitar, are exclusively plucked. The major orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) are usually bowed but sometimes are plucked. Some modern composers have even written string music where the player strikes the strings using the wooden portion of the box to produce the sound. Click the Play button for a demonstration.