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If you want to be a famous musician, it helps to know about musical instruments!

Grade 5 - Instruments And Voices Part 1

Learn the instruments and voices for Grade 5. Discover string tunings, families, and how each orchestral voice creates its tone.

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Fascinating Fact:

String open tunings: violin G D A E, viola C G D A, cello C G D A, double bass E A D G. Memorise in perfect fifths, except bass.

In Specialist Music Theory you study instruments and voices for Grade 5. You will learn how strings are tuned, how they make sound, and how their roles fit inside an orchestra.

Key Terms

Open string: A string played without pressing it down, giving its natural pitch.
Tuning: The set of pitches each instrument uses for its open strings.
Timbre: The unique tone color of an instrument or voice.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Which string instrument plays the highest part in the orchestra?

The violin is the highest member of the string family. It often carries the melody because its bright tone projects clearly above the texture.

Why are violin, viola and cello tuned in perfect fifths?

Fifths give a wide, even range across the strings and make finger patterns consistent. This helps with scales, arpeggios, and smooth shifting between strings.

How does a mute change the sound of a string instrument?

A mute clips to the bridge and reduces vibration. The sound becomes softer and darker, which is useful for quiet or mysterious passages.