Instruments - music theory

Strings

Instruments with strings that are played with a bow or plucked

Woodwind

Instruments that are blown using a reed or a hole in the mouthpiece

Brass

Instruments that are blown by vibrating the lips in a mouthpiece

Percussion

Instruments that are struck

Violin

This uses the treble clef and its lowest note is G

Viola

This mostly uses the alto clef and its lowest note is C

Cello

This mostly uses the bass clef and its lowest note is C (one octave lower than the viola)

Double Bass

This mostly uses the bass clef and its lowest note is E

Harp

Plays from music arranged on two staves, like piano music. The strings of the __ are plucked and pedals or levers are used to change the pitch of the strings

Piccolo

A small type of flute. It uses the treble clef and sounds an octave higher than its written notes

Flute

This uses the treble clef

Oboe

This uses the treble clef and has a similar but slightly lower range to the flute. Uses a double reed

Cor anglais

Also known as the English horn, it is closely related to the oboe. It uses the treble clef and is a transposing instrument. Uses a double reed

Clarinet

This uses the treble clef and goes a little lower than the flute and oboe. Uses a single reed

Bassoon

This mostly uses the bass clef. Uses a double reed

Trumpet

This uses the treble clef

Horn

This uses the treble clef and is sometimes called the ‘French horn’

Trombone

This mostly uses the bass clef

Tuba

This uses the bass clef

Timpani

Plays notes of definite pitch and is sometimes called the kettle drum

Tubular bells

Vertical metal bars struck with one or two small hammers and plays notes of definite pitch

Xylophone

Horizontal wooden bars arranged like a piano keyboard and usually struck with hard beaters and plays notes of definite pitch

Marimba

Like the xylophone but larger with a more mellow sound — usually struck with softer beaters and plays notes of definite pitch

Glockenspiel

Horizontal metal bars arranged like a piano and plays notes of definite pitch

Vibraphone

Similar to a glockenspiel, it produces a softer sound when the metal bars are struck. It contains a motor to add vibration to the sound and plays notes of definite pitch

Celesta

Looks like a piano but contains metal bars rather than strings. It produces a bell-like sound and plays notes of definite pitch

Side drum

Plays notes of indefinite pitch and is sometimes called the snare drum

Bass drum

Plays notes of indefinite pitch

Cymbal

Plans notes of indefinite pitch. __ can either be clashed together or hit with a beater

Tambourine

Hit or shaken by the hand, with small cymbal-like discs around its outer edge. Sometimes has a ‘skin’ or membrane and plays notes of indefinite pitch

Castanets

Two small discs of wood hit together with the fingers. Originates from Spain and plays notes of indefinite pitch

Tam-tam

A large gong hit with a beater and plays notes of indefinite pitch

Triangle

Triangular metal instrument hit with a metal beater and plays notes of indefinite pitch