Question

How are differnt sound notes generated in musical instruments like guitar, which uses strings for sound generation, and flute, which uses blown air for sound generation ?

Answer 1

• In stringed instruments (like guitar): Different notes are generated in these instruments when the frequency of vibration of string is changed. It can be changed by changing the
  • tension in string: If the string of the instrument is under high tension, then the pitch of the note produced on plucking the string will be high i.e. the note will be shriller because frequency of vibration of the string will be high.
  • thickness of string: If the string of the instrument is thin, then the pitch of the note produced on plucking the string will be high as frequency of vibration of the string will be high.
  • position of plucking of string: If a string stretched between two fixed ends is plucked closer to one of the fixed ends, then the pitch of the sound note produced will be high.
• In wind instruments (like flute): Different notes are produced in these instruments by varying the length of the air column in them. The length of the air column can be increased or decreased by closing or opening the more number of holes present in these instruments.