General Awareness ยท History

Musical Instruments

2,676 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

Multiple choice

What is the name of the metal frame that supports the strings of a piano?

  1. Plate

  2. Action

  3. Keyboard

  4. Pedalboard
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The plate is the metal frame that supports the strings of a piano. It is usually made of cast iron and is responsible for transferring the vibrations of the strings to the soundboard.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a type of piano pedal?

  1. Sustain pedal

  2. Soft pedal

  3. Una corda pedal

  4. Celeste pedal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The celeste pedal is not a type of piano pedal. It is a pedal that is found on some organs and harmoniums.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a type of piano keyboard?

  1. Grand keyboard

  2. Upright keyboard

  3. Player keyboard

  4. Electric keyboard
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Player keyboard is not a type of piano keyboard. It is a mechanism that allows a piano to play itself.

Multiple choice

The Santoor is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 100

  2. 72

  3. 48

  4. 24
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Santoor typically has 100 strings, arranged in groups of four. These strings are struck with two wooden mallets, producing a unique, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

The Rabab is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 2

  2. 4

  3. 6

  4. 8
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Rabab typically has two main strings, which are tuned to a specific interval. These strings are played with a bow, producing a rich, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

The Dilruba is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 16

  2. 18

  3. 20

  4. 22
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Dilruba typically has 18 strings, arranged in groups of three. These strings are played with a bow, producing a rich, mellow sound.

Multiple choice

The Taus is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 12

  2. 14

  3. 16

  4. 18
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Taus typically has 14 strings, arranged in groups of four. These strings are played with a bow, producing a rich, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is featured prominently in the first movement of the Children's Symphony?

  1. Violin

  2. Flute

  3. Trumpet

  4. Xylophone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The xylophone, a percussion instrument, plays a significant role in the first movement of the Children's Symphony.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is featured prominently in the third movement of the Children's Symphony?

  1. Oboe

  2. Clarinet

  3. Bassoon

  4. Triangle
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The triangle, a percussion instrument, is prominently featured in the third movement of the Children's Symphony.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is featured prominently in the fourth movement of the Children's Symphony?

  1. Violin

  2. Flute

  3. Trumpet

  4. Cuckoo
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The cuckoo, a bird known for its distinctive call, is featured prominently in the fourth movement of the Children's Symphony.

Multiple choice

What is the instrumentation of the Children's Symphony?

  1. Strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

  2. Strings and woodwinds only

  3. Brass and percussion only

  4. Woodwinds and percussion only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Children's Symphony is scored for strings and woodwinds only.

Multiple choice

Which movement of the Children's Symphony is known for its use of a toy drum?

  1. First movement

  2. Second movement

  3. Third movement

  4. Fourth movement
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The third movement of the Children's Symphony features the use of a toy drum.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is traditionally used to accompany tango music?

  1. Piano

  2. Guitar

  3. Violin

  4. Bandoneon
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The bandoneon is a type of concertina that is commonly used in tango music. It is known for its distinctive sound and is often considered to be the signature instrument of tango.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is often used to provide a rhythmic foundation in tango music?

  1. Piano

  2. Guitar

  3. Violin

  4. Double bass
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The double bass is a large string instrument that is played with a bow. It is often used in tango music to provide a rhythmic foundation and to support the other instruments in the orchestra.

Multiple choice

What is the role of the violin in tango music?

  1. To provide a melodic line

  2. To accompany the bandoneon

  3. To provide a rhythmic foundation

  4. To create a countermelody
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The violin is often used in tango music to provide a melodic line. It is known for its expressive sound and is capable of playing both fast and slow passages.