Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange
Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [string-instruments]

A musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. Use this for questions about the category, rather than for a specific instrument.

151 questions
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When tuning a guitar, should you always end with tightening the string rather than loosening it?

I used to have a guitar teacher that said you should always finish tuning each string by tightening/sharpening the string. So for example if the top E is a little sharp, you should turn the peg to make it flat and then tune it up to the right…
Alexander Troup
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Why don't "classical" stringed instruments mark their note positions?

So, I understand why classical strings (violins, cellos etc.) aren't fretted, because of the change this makes in the tone. I've often wondered though, why the note positions aren't marked on the neck anywhere. Wouldn't notes relative to the open…
AJFaraday
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What is the practical reason for reentrant tuning on ukulele and similar instruments?

I'm intruiged by the fact that some stringed instruments, like the ukulele, are traditionally tuned in the way of reentrant tuning where the strings are not ordered from the lowest to the highest pitch. I do not play ukulele, or a similar…
Tim H
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What should I consider when I see a loose hair in a violin bow?

This drawing should do: These are the hairs of a brand new bow. Straight, clean, etc. I noticed this: As you can see, it seems like a certain hair is a bit loose. Is this bad? (I.e., does it affect performance, produced sound, etc.) Should I try…
Saturn
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Why do lower pitched string instruments have a larger body?

I know that increasing the length of the string will decrease the pitch, but that doesn't explain why the body of a cello is larger than a violin, only longer. What would be the "problem" with having a violin with a really long neck so it's the…
nanotek
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How to prevent a string from breaking during a performance?

Especially for the guitar, but also for other relevant string instruments, I've had my string break while practicing. I feel like such things could happen at any moment, this made me wonder... How to prevent a string from breaking during a…
Tamara Wijsman
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Why is a violin so loud compared to a guitar?

The violin is comparatively louder than a guitar. This is a surprising fact, given that: the violin instrument is generally smaller than, say, a typical classical or folk guitar, both use strings. In other words, how can such a small instrument…
Michael Baudin
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What's this w-shaped ebony item from my grandma's violin case?

What's this w-shaped ebony item from my grandma's violin case? Possible it's not violin-related.
samerivertwice
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Does the kind of wood used in making a violin affect its sound?

Whenever I check on violin-learning-related sites, they usually begin talking about the quality of a violin. The strings, the species of woods... ... the species of wood. Ebony? Maple? Rosewood? I think I understand how important the string quality…
Saturn
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What methods are there to determine when a violin string should be replaced?

I am very new to the violin. I have broken a string just once - and it was while attempting to tune it. The string breaking was rather surprising and powerful - I'm glad my face was not too close. So, to avoid a similar incident while playing the…
Saturn
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Distinction between same notes played on different strings

While playing a particular piece (not chords, fingerpicking/single note playing) on my ukulele (or as far as the question is concerned, any similar instrument), I use the standard notation and then play the different notes by engendering the…
stochastic13
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Bridge intonation patterns on stringed instruments

On stringed instruments, the scale length needs to be slightly adjusted (at the bridge) for each string so that the first octave happens at the 12th fret/position, the 2nd at the 24th, etc. My physical intuition tells me that larger strings need a…
Alexbib
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How do I use string gauge tables?

I have seen that string manufacturers publish tables of string gauges and tensions. For example, this one. How can I use these to choose a set of strings for my instrument?
slim
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What is at the tip of large string concert instruments, and does it damage the floor?

I sat very close to the stage Friday night for the Pops. I could see a cellist in the front row and noticed the bottom tip of a metal rod where the cello stands, making contact with the wooden floor. What is the construction of the tip of the stand,…
Jason P Sallinger
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How do you specify no vibrato in notation?

I am composing a piece for string quartet, and I explicitly don't want vibrato. Is there a term for it, or should I just write "no vibrato"?
Neins
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