Melodic vs. Harmonic

Question 1

Does the harp play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 1

Both! Can be plucked (melody) and play chords (harmony)

Question 2

Do the uilleann pipes play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 2

Melody! They’re very loud don’t play chords (can drone though)

Question 3

Does the fiddle play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 3

Melody! Lots of freedom for ornaments

Question 4

Do button/piano accordions/melodeon play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 4

Melody! Lots of freedom for ornaments, don’t play chords

Question 5

Does the concertina play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 5

Melody! Can’t play drones or harmonies

Question 6

Does the flute play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 6

Melody! Can’t play chords

Question 7

Does the whistle play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 7

Melody! Can’t play chords

Question 8

Does the guitar play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 8

Both, but mostly harmony! Can be plucked or play chords and/or make a “chick” sound

Question 9

Does the banjo play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 9

Melody! Is plucked and doesn’t play chords, loud sound

Question 10

Does the mandolin play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 10

Both, but mostly melody! Plucked with a pick, can play chords but doesn’t often

Question 11

Does the bouzouki play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 11

Both! Can be plucked or used to play chords, similar to a guitar

Question 12

Does the bodhran play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 12

Harmony! Is a drum…

Question 13

Do the bones play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 13

Harmony! They play percussion…

Question 14

Does the clavinet play melody or harmony? Why?

Answer 14

Both! Can play singular notes or chords