What type of instrument is well-known for providing both melody and harmony through its striking mechanism?

The xylophone is well-known for its ability to provide both melody and harmony because it is a percussion instrument that consists of wooden bars struck with mallets. Each bar is tuned to a specific pitch, allowing it to produce melodic lines. Additionally, when multiple notes are played simultaneously or in harmony, the xylophone can create rich harmonic textures. This functionality differentiates it from the other options listed.

The bassoon, while capable of producing melody, is primarily a woodwind instrument and typically provides harmonic support rather than playing chords effectively. The guitar is also a strong contender for providing harmony and melody; however, it does not have the same striking mechanism as the xylophone, which specifically relies on striking bars. The trombone is a brass instrument that plays melodies but is not designed for harmony in the same way as a chordal instrument would, making the xylophone's striking mechanism uniquely suited for creating both melody and harmony.