General Awareness ยท History
Musical Instruments
2,912 Questions
Musical instruments are categorized into strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. This hub offers practice questions on instruments like the Santoor, gayageum, and bandoneon across various cultures. This topic is a regular feature in general awareness sections of competitive exams.
String instrumentsBrass instrumentsWoodwind techniquesTraditional folk instrumentsGlobal music traditions
Musical Instruments Questions
Which musical instrument is traditionally associated with the Shinto tradition and is played during religious rituals and festivals, believed to purify the sacred space and invite divine presence?
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Koto
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Shakuhachi
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Taiko
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Fue
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The fue is a bamboo flute that holds a significant place in the Shinto tradition. It is played during religious rituals and festivals and is believed to purify the sacred space and invite divine presence.
What is the name of the musical instrument designed to simulate the sounds of the cosmos?
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Theremin
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Ondes Martenot
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Mellotron
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Synthesizer
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Theremin, an electronic instrument, is known for its eerie, ethereal sound, often used to create otherworldly atmospheres.
Which string instrument is known for its distinctive shape and is often played with a bow?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The violin is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in fifths. It is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the violin family.
What is the name of the string instrument that is plucked and has a long neck with frets?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The guitar is a plucked string instrument with six strings. It is typically played with the fingers or a pick.
Which string instrument is known for its large size and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers?
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The harp is a large string instrument with many strings. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers.
What is the name of the string instrument that is played by striking the strings with a hammer?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The piano is a keyboard instrument that is played by striking the strings with a hammer. It is the most widely used musical instrument in the world.
Which percussion instrument is known for its cylindrical shape and is played by striking it with a stick?
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Drum
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Cymbal
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Tambourine
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Maracas
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The drum is a percussion instrument that is played by striking it with a stick. It is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world.
What is the name of the percussion instrument that is a thin, circular metal plate that is struck with a stick?
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Drum
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Cymbal
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Tambourine
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Maracas
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The cymbal is a thin, circular metal plate that is struck with a stick. It is often used in orchestras and marching bands.
Which percussion instrument is a small, handheld instrument that is played by shaking it?
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Drum
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Cymbal
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Tambourine
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Maracas
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The maracas are a small, handheld instrument that is played by shaking it. They are often used in Latin American music.
What is the name of the percussion instrument that is a small, handheld drum that is played by striking it with the hands?
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Drum
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Cymbal
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Tambourine
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Maracas
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The tambourine is a small, handheld drum that is played by striking it with the hands. It is often used in folk music and marching bands.
Which string instrument is known for its distinctive shape and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers?
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The guitar is a plucked string instrument with six strings. It is typically played with the fingers or a pick.
What is the name of the string instrument that is played by bowing the strings with a bow?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The violin is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in fifths. It is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the violin family.
Which string instrument is known for its large size and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers?
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The cello is a large string instrument with four strings tuned in fifths. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers.
What is the name of the string instrument that is played by striking the strings with a hammer?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The piano is a keyboard instrument that is played by striking the strings with a hammer. It is the most widely used musical instrument in the world.
Which percussion instrument is known for its cylindrical shape and is played by striking it with a stick?
-
Drum
-
Cymbal
-
Tambourine
-
Maracas
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The drum is a percussion instrument that is played by striking it with a stick. It is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world.