3D20.10 Monochord
Concepts
String resonance and waves
Overview
A wooden box serves as the sounding box for a one-string instrument.
Details
Equipment
- [1] Monochord
- [1] Wooden wedge
Important Notes
- Details of the monochord can't be seen in a large lecture hall, but the sound can be clearly heard.
Script
- Pluck the string of the monochord to get the fundamental for the full string.
- To effectively shorten the string (and change the fundamental), seat the wedge under the string at one of the marked points ("3rd," "4th," etc.), hold the string to the wedge, and pluck the string on the longer segment. Repeat for different marked notes. The notes are numbered to be 3rd, 4th, etc. on the do-re-mi scale.
- Remove the wedge.
- To play harmonics, gently touch the string at one of the marked notes ("3rd," "4th," etc.), pluck the string on the long segment, and quickly take your fingers off the string.
Additional Resources
References
- PIRA 3D20.10, 3D22.20
Disclaimer
- Don't attempt this at home!
Last revised
- 2022
Technicals
- In musical terms, the monochord is marked for notes on a diatonic scale.
- Guitar players may recognize that using the wedge is like fretting a guitar, and playing harmonics on the monochord is basically the same on a guitar.
Related AV
Related demos
If you have any questions about the demos or notes you would like to add to this page, contact Ricky Chu at ricky_chu AT sfu DOT ca.