The second finger of the plectrum hand is often used to strike the sound table to add a percussive element to the melody.
Tension instruments consist of skilfully attached strings, which when struck with a plectrum delightfully soothe the ears; they include the various kinds of citharae.
There are also four excitation mapping functions for the following situations: plectrum position, bow speed (across string) and position (down onto string), reed breath pressure, and hammer (strike) force.
The instrument is supported by the left shoulder, as the veena and is played with a plectrum ("mezrab") or tab (and sometimes with a bow).
They would use a biwa type plectrum on the shamisen to emulate the biwa buzzing effect and sounds.
The strings are plucked or strummed by the right hand without a plectrum.
It has twelve nylon strings that are plucked with a plastic plectrum to generate sound, much like a guitar.
Some dramyins come with a plectrum attached to the base for plucking.
