Brainlag PlusThe four families of the standard orchestra, how each instrument makes its sound, the clef it reads, and which percussion has definite pitch.
Four families
| Family | Instruments | How they sound |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | violin, viola, cello, double bass | a bow drawn across the strings, or plucking them |
| Woodwind | flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon | blown across a hole, or through a reed |
| Brass | trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba | the player's lips buzzing into a mouthpiece |
| Percussion | timpani, side drum, bass drum, cymbals | struck with sticks or beaters, or clashed |
The standard orchestra, each family listed from highest to lowest.
Quick check
How does a brass instrument make its sound?
Flute: blowing across a hole; clarinet: a single reed; oboe and bassoon: a double reed. Violin is the highest string instrument, double bass the lowest.
The rest of this lesson and its 4 practice questions are in Plus.
Screen 1 of 4, free to read.
- 4 exam-style questions, marked as you go, each with a worked solution
- Anything you get wrong is saved to your flashcards