Musical instrument classification

At various times, and in various different cultures, various schemes of musical instrument classification have been used. The most commonly used system in use in the west today divides instruments into string instruments, wind instruments and percussion instruments. However other ones have been devised, and some cultures also use different schemes.

Instruments by range

Western instruments are also often classified by their range in comparison with other instruments in the same family. These terms are named after singing voice classifications:

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• Soprano instruments: flute, recorder, violin, trumpet
• Alto instruments: oboe, alto flute, viola, French horn
• Tenor instruments: clarinet, English horn, trombone
• Bass instruments: bassoon, double bass, bass clarinet, tuba

Some instruments fall into more than one category: for example, the cello may be considered either tenor or bass, depending on how its music fits into the ensemble, and the trombone may be alto, tenor, or bass.

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Many instruments have their range as part of their name: soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, baritone horn, alto flute, bass flute, alto recorder, bass guitar, etc.

Related Topics:
Soprano saxophone - Alto saxophone - Tenor saxophone - Baritone saxophone - Baritone horn - Alto flute - Bass flute - Alto recorder - Bass guitar

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