How does bowing differ from plucking and striking as ways to produce sound on stringed instruments?

In the context of musical sound, bowing, plucking, and striking are the three primary methods used to set the strings of a chordophone into motion. These techniques differ fundamentally in how they initiate vibration and influence the resulting timbre.

• Bowing: This method involves drawing a bow—typically a curved stick with tensioned, rosined horsehair—across a string. The friction created by the bow sets the string into continuous motion, allowing for sustained notes and dynamic control. This is the standard method for the violin family.12
• Plucking: This technique involves pulling and releasing a string, often with a finger or a plectrum. Plucking creates a sound with a sharp attack and a relatively brief duration. Instruments like the harp, guitar, and harpsichord rely on this method.2
• Striking: This involves hitting the string with a hammer or stick. The hardness of the striking implement significantly affects the tone; for example, the piano uses felt-covered hammers to emphasize the fundamental pitch, whereas harder implements produce a brighter, more overtone-rich sound.23