Title: The Woodwind Family | The MyMusicTheory.com Blog
Headings: The MyMusicTheory Guide to Orchestral Instruments; Part 2 – The Woodwind
The MyMusicTheory Guide to Orchestral Instruments; Part 2 – The Woodwind
Woodwind Instruments
What are the standard orchestral woodwind instruments?
Why are some metal and plastic instruments called “ wood wind”?
What’s the difference between “wind” and “woodwind”?
How do woodwind instruments work?
How do reed instruments work?
Why do woodwind instruments have metal keys?
Why do woodwind instruments come apart?
Why are clarinets “transposing” instruments?
Which is the easiest / most difficult woodwind instrument to learn?

Content: The Woodwind Family | The MyMusicTheory.com Blog
The MyMusicTheory Guide to Orchestral Instruments; Part 2 – The Woodwind
Woodwind Instruments
What are the standard orchestral woodwind instruments? Flute, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Clarinet and Bassoon
In a symphony orchestra, there are four main woodwind instruments – the flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. The flute is the highest in pitch, the bassoon is the lowest. The flute is usually silver-plated, while the oboe, clarinet and bassoon are usually made of wood. ( Plastic instruments are also available, but most professional musicians choose wood because the sound is better.) Each of the woodwind instruments has a very distinct sound. In addition to the main instruments, most large orchestras also have some other woodwind. The piccolo is a small flute and plays an octave higher. The piccolo can be very shrill, and although it’s the smallest instrument in the orchestra it can always be heard!