Tone Colour

Question 1

Tone Colour

Answer 1

The unique quality or color of a sound that distinguishes one instrument or voice from another, regardless of pitch

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

The specific instruments used in a piece of music, which contribute to its overall tone color

Question 3

Synthesised sound

Answer 3

Sounds generated through electronic means, which can have unique timbral qualities not found in acoustic instruments

Question 4

Sound source material

Answer 4

What material the instrument is made of (e.g. wood, metal, skin, electronic)

Question 5

Strumming

Answer 5

Playing multiple strings in a quick, smooth motion using fingers or a pick

Question 6

Percussive sounds

Answer 6

Sounds that are produced by hitting, shaking or scraping the instrument

Question 7

Arco

Answer 7

Sounds produced by bowing (usually on a string). This gives a slow attack to the note and lots of sustain

Question 8

Sustain

Answer 8

Sounds that hold for a long time without fading

Question 9

Attack

Answer 9

How quickly the sound starts (a drum has a very sharp attack, but a bowed violin often has a softer attack)

Question 10

Warm

Answer 10

A sound with mostly low-mid frequencies and a soft attack

Question 11

Bright

Answer 11

A sound with mostly high frequencies and a sharp attack

Question 12

Plucking

Answer 12

A string being pulled slightly and then released using either fingers or a pick

Question 13

Distorted

Answer 13

A sound wave that has been manipulated in some way to become fuzzy or gritty