Instrument Families

Instrument Families

Instrument Families

• How we classify (sort) instruments

• We are learning just ONE system of families based on orchestra instruments

We classify instruments based on how they make sound

The String Family

Fun fact: People have played instruments from the string family for more than 3,000 years!

Sound is produced through vibrating strings

00:30

01:00

Get these items:

03:00

• 2 or 3 rubber bands of different sizes (check your STEM kit!)

• 2 boxes/open tupperware containers of different sizes (try to use the same material)

• 2 pencils or dowels

Watch me!

How the strings change the sound

Length - Longer strings vibrate slower and make lower sounding notes than shorter strings. Weight - Heavy, thick strings make lower notes than lighter thin strings. Tightness - A tight string makes a higher note than a loose string.

3 ways to make the strings vibrate

• Bow
• Pluck
• Strike

Other Stringed Instruments

Ukulele

Sitar

Hammered Dulcimer

Guitar

Pipa

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

The pipa is from China.You pluck the strings to make them vibrate.

There are versions of the hammered dulcimer all over the world.You strike the strings to make them vibrate.

The sitar is from India.You pluck the strings to make them vibrate.

The ukulele is from Hawai'i.You pluck the strings to make them vibrate. Ukuleles come in different sizes; yours will be smaller than his.

The guitar can trace its roots to the lute.You pluck the strings to make them vibrate.