The main factor that causes different sounds in an instrument is the harmonic frequencies and overtones that an instrument outputs on notes, with other factors such as material affecting this factor. However, when the string is bowed, multiple harmonic frequencies are produced at the same time.
Q. Why do instruments sound different when playing the same note?
The reason the same musical note sounds different when played on various instruments is because the harmonic overtones and envelope of each instrument is unique. When a frequency is played, other frequencies, called harmonics, are created. Each instrument has a unique harmonic character.
Table of Contents
- Q. Why do instruments sound different when playing the same note?
- Q. Why do clarinets and flutes sound different even when they play the same note?
- Q. Are music notes the same for every instrument?
- Q. Is flute and piano notes the same?
- Q. What is the highest note a flute can play?
- Q. Is flute easier than piano?
- Q. Why does my flute sound fuzzy?
- Q. Is the flute difficult to play?
Q. Why do clarinets and flutes sound different even when they play the same note?
If a clarinet and a piano play notes of the same pitch and loudness, the sounds will still be quite distinct. This is because musical instruments do not vibrate at a single frequency: a given note involves vibrations at many different frequencies, often called harmonics, partials, or overtones.
Q. Are music notes the same for every instrument?
The notes will have the same relation to each other on every sheet, but the same notes may be in different places. Many instruments are transposing; the played notes are not the same as the sounded note. So for that instrument the notes are written a step up, so they come out right. There are different clefs, too.
Q. Is flute and piano notes the same?
Yes … the treble clef note in piano music are the same as flute notes. Flute is a NON-TRANSPOSING instrument so piano notes within the range of the flue instrument and player can be played. Flute and clarinet can’t play the same music together without one of them transposing, however.
Q. What is the highest note a flute can play?
The “official” highest note of a standard flute is the C 3 octaves above middle C (called “4th octave C” if counting from where the flute starts, “7th octave C” on the piano), but I sometimes get asked how to finger notes above it (e.g. when CUCOS played arrangements that seemed determined to push the flutes too high).
Q. Is flute easier than piano?
The flute, at a beginner’s level, is much easier to learn and to play than the piano because the piano is one of the most challenging instruments to master. The musical range of the flute is far more limited than the piano, and the main elements of flute you will need to master are breath control and finger placement.
Q. Why does my flute sound fuzzy?
The most common cause of a fuzzy flute sound is that the student simply isn’t using enough air. Since a lot of the air does not go directly into the instrument, you have to use a significant amount of air if you want to fill the instrument enough to create a full sound.
Q. Is the flute difficult to play?
The flute is one of the most popular instruments in the band. Producing a tone on the flute is similar to blowing across the top of a bottle. Once you can make that sound, simply use the keys to change the notes. Flute isn’t hard to learn — like all the instruments, it just takes some practice.
