What type of musical instrument is a lyre classified as?

A lyre is classified as a stringed instrument in the harp class due to its construction and playing method. It typically consists of a soundbox and two arms connected by strings, which are plucked to produce sound. This design aligns it closely with the characteristics of the harp family, where instruments use strings to create musical tones.

In contrast, percussion instruments produce sound through striking or shaking, which does not apply to the lyre. Wind instruments require air to produce sound, typically by blowing into them, which again does not relate to how a lyre functions. Lastly, rhythmical percussion devices are designed primarily to keep time or add rhythm to music rather than to create melodic sounds, which is a fundamental aspect of what distinguishes the lyre as a melodic stringed instrument. Thus, defining the lyre as a stringed instrument in the harp class accurately captures its essence and functionality within the category of musical instruments.