Hello, it’s me, Cookie, again! I wanted to make a good addition to the site, so I decided to take one of my passions (music), and use it to help my fellow roleplayers! In this article I’m gonna go over the different types of instruments, as well as some details about specific instruments, so people can use this knowledge for roleplaying. These are the basic types I’m going to explain:

-String
-Wind/Woodwind
-Brass
-Percussion

If you want me to elaborate on a specific instrument not included in here, just pm me and I’ll write about it. So here we go!

Strings
These instruments make sound from the many strings that give them their name. These strings can be plucked, strummed, rubbed with something, or struck to make sound. Here are some common string instruments:

-Harp (plucked)
-Guitar (strummed)
-Violin (rubbed)
-Cello (rubbed)
-Piano (struck) (Yes, it’s technically a stringed instrument!)

Winds/Woodwinds
The sound made from these instruments is made from vibrating air. This air can be vibrated with a reed (as in a clarinet), a ball (as in a whistle) or hit a sharp edge (like in a flute). What differentiates woodwind from brass? I mean, they’re both powered by vibrating air, so how can you tell the difference? Woodwinds generally make different notes by opening and closing holes for different pitch. Also, as the name suggests, some are made of wood. Some wind instruments:

-Flute
-Piccolo
-Recorder
-Ocarina

Brass
Brass instruments also make sound from vibrating air. However, this vibration is produced by the player, not the instrument itself. The player vibrates his or her lips, which sets the air in motion. This makes the sound. The pitch can be controlled in two ways. One way is to press the valves on the instrument. This decreases the space the air has to vibrate, thus making a different note. Another way to control the pitch is to change the frequency at which the player vibrates his or her lips. Different frequency, different pitch. Here are some brass instruments:

-Trumpet
-Tuba
-French horn
-Trombone

Percussion
These instruments make sound from the striking of a surface. If you have read all of this article, and are saying, “But Cookie! If percussions are defined by striking a surface, wouldn’t pianos be considered percussion?” Pianos are classified as string instruments because the surface that is hit is a string. If you look on the inside of a piano, you will see that there are many strings. One for each note, in fact. Anyways, onto the percussions. The surface that is hit can be metal, animal hide, and even fabric. I’ve made many a childhood drum that used a piece of taught cloth to make sound. The percussion instruments can be stuck with your hands, a stick, or hit together with another percussion. Some percussion instruments:

-Drum
-Xylophone
-Bell
-Cymbals

Well, that’s it for basic information! If you want me to continue with information on specific instruments, just pm me with what instrument you want me to write about. All comments, compliments, and criticism are welcome. Thanks!

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