| dc.description.abstract | When playing a viola, there are many ways to produce a sound from a string. Sound can be produced by drawing a bow over the string or by using a finger to pluck the string (also known as pizzicato). Although these methods of playing produce the same note, they produce different sounds. Furthermore, the location in which the bow is placed between the bridge and fingerboard of the instrument and the location of the pluck along the string length affects the tone quality. Using a DSO1014A Oscilloscope, the frequencies and magnitudes of a sound signal captured by a microphone can be analyzed. By comparing the frequency spectrums of notes plucked or bowed at different locations along the A string, difference in tone quality can be justified qualitatively. The differences in sound due to bowing vs. pizzicato, bow placement, type of pizzicato, 4th finger harmonics, and mutes were able to be justified using the frequency spectra generated through testing. By observing the frequency spectrums of various viola playing techniques, musicians can further understand how to get the best sound out of their instrument. | |
