Friction idiophones is designation 13 in the Hornbostel-Sachs system of musical instrument classification. These idiophones produce sound by being rubbed either against each other or by means of a non-sounding object. Instruments of this type are not very common; possibly the best known examples are the musical saw and the nail violin.
According to musicologist Curt Sachs:[1]
... It is essential to distinguish between rubbing and scraping. The latter results in a series of beats cause by passing a stick over a notched surface; [whereas] friction is based on adhesion....On a higher level we find...the glass harmonica.
131.1 Individual friction sticks.
131.2 Sets of friction sticks.
131.21 Without direct friction.
131.22 With direct friction.
132.1 Individual friction plaques.
132.2 Sets of friction plaques.
133.1 Individual friction vessels.
133.2 Sets of friction vessels.