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1500 questions
77
votes
11 answers
How long would it take to learn to tune a piano?
I have a piano that is out of tune, and I know tuning pianos properly is complicated enough to have its own profession. But I think it would be interesting to have a go myself, for fun.
But is this even meaningful? Could I spend a day with some…
Lennart Regebro
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75
votes
7 answers
Why are there both sharps and flats?
If we can get away with just having sharps (aka black notes on a piano) then why complicate things and add flats as well?
For example, if I have a C# why call it Dflat? Why not just leave it as C# and make things simpler.
user34288
71
votes
21 answers
How often should I replace the strings on my guitar?
When and why should you replace your guitar strings?
gak
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70
votes
22 answers
What is the difference between a mode and a scale?
I can't seem to find a straight definition for both.
crimson_sprite
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70
votes
6 answers
What is the relationship between "do re mi" and note letter names?
When people sing the song, they use do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, (si), etc, but sometimes I hear that the music people say A, B, C, D flat, etc.
Is there a relationship or are they two different things?
Ted Wong
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69
votes
9 answers
Why is C the base note of standard notation and keys?
Why is it that notes "start" with C? In key signatures, for example, C Major is the basis and accidentals are added for all other key signatures. I know that the musical alphabet starts with A and goes to G, so why is C the base note of standard…
skystar
- 1,071
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69
votes
5 answers
What's the difference between a G♭ and an F#?
I've heard it said that, whilst on most instruments these notes are played with the same fingerings/technique/etc., there is a subtle difference.
This isn't specific to this particular note combination, but to all enharmonic equivalents.
What might…
8128
- 1,597
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69
votes
21 answers
Changing the strings: one by one, or by taking all strings off at one time?
The title says it all. Should I change strings one by one, or take them all at once? Does this matter at all?
If I take all strings off, will it damage my neck in any way, because the pressure is released?
Silver Light
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68
votes
24 answers
Best method to learn to play barre chords?
I've been trying to learn the F chord for a while now, and I am having a very hard time playing the barre chord. I've read that pulling back slightly with your finger and using the body of the guitar for leverage is a good way to play them. What…
Don
67
votes
9 answers
How can a classical pianist learn jazz piano?
I'm a classically trained pianist. Took lessons all through my childhood. I've continued to play and read classical literature all my life. But I never learned anything about jazz piano. I also know a lot about music theory, am a good sight reader…
mfamous
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67
votes
22 answers
Ways to get out of a scalar rut?
I'm a well versed and experienced guitarist. I have a decent sense for rhythm and melody, but I have a VERY hard time with soloing. I know you've heard it all before I'm one of those guys that got stuck practicing scales too much and cant, for the…
InternalConspiracy
- 1,680
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66
votes
3 answers
Found in an 1800s newspaper--what kind of march notation is this?
Does anyone recognize this musical notation? It looks like a bunch of vertical bars. Is it supposed to be read by a machine? It was found in an issue of Scientific American from 1846. I'm guessing the "C" at the beginning means common time, as it…
keej
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64
votes
20 answers
Why Is Just Intonation Impractical?
I've read about the debate of "just intonation" vs 12-tone equal temperament. And nowhere it was clearly stated why just intonation is impractical. Here are my assumptions. Please let me know if I am correct.
Just intonation frequencies are based on…
Bozho
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64
votes
6 answers
What does a conductor actually do?
Looking for the roles of the conductor during a musical performance, I mainly came across answers as the following, taken from Wikipedia:
"The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and…
iddober
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64
votes
12 answers
A (440 Hz) and A (880 Hz) are completely different sounds to me. Does this mean I'm tone deaf?
A recent episode of the podcast Surprisingly Awesome about music theory featured the line:
So just to be clear, pretty much every human, when they hear a 440 or an 880, it’s going to sound like the same note.
But they don't sound the same to me.…
laffoyb
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