by Prof. Lydia Ayers

Objectives

• Build a monochord (single string instrument)

• Record and find the frequency of the open string

• Measure and mark the positions for the pitches to make a major scale

• Play a simple exercise• Work on your composition (due next

week in lab)

Build a Monochord

• Make a cardboard frame–Board-like frame from several

layers of cardboard, with the fold in different places so it won’t bend with the force of the string

–Hollow box-like frame will produce more tone

–Longer frame will produce lower tone

Build a Monochord• Make two bridges– Fold small pieces of cardboard into

triangles– Use two or three layers of cardboard if one

layer is not stiff enough to support the tension of the string

– Secure a bridge near each end of the frame

• If you want to tune the string, you can place a third moveable bridge between the two end bridges

Build a Monochord

• Secure the string over the bridges–Cut a string a little longer than the

distance between the bridges

–Secure the string over the bridges tightly enough to get a good sound• What is good is whatever you think

sounds good

Mark the Pitches• Measure the string and touch

lightly in the center• The best position is where the

harmonic gives the clearest sound

• Mark the frame below the harmonic

• Plucking the string while pressing this position produces the octave

Mark the Pitches

• Measure the string and touch lightly at each harmonic position

• Continue marking the harmonics until you have a major scale– Perfect 5th at 3rd harmonic– Perfect 4th at 4th harmonic–Major 3rd at 5th harmonic–Major 2nd at 9th harmonic

Mark the Pitches• The bridge is the end you pluck and the nut

is the end you tune• String lengths from bridge are reciprocals of

frequency ratios:– Perfect 5th = 2/3 from bridge (1/3 from nut)– Perfect 4th = 3/4 from bridge (1/4 from nut)– Major 3rd = 4/5 from bridge (1/5 from nut)– Major 2nd = 8/9 from bridge (1/9 from nut)– Major 6th = 3/5 from bridge (2/5 from nut), another

position of the 5th harmonic– Major 7th = 8/15 from bridge (7/15 from nut),

harmonic should sound clearly

Example

• For a 30 inch string:– Perfect 5th at 3rd harmonic = 20 inches (2/3

string length) from bridge, 10 inches (1/3 string length) from nut

• Other useful intervals:–Minor 3rd at 6th harmonic–Minor 7th at 9/16 or 5/9 string length from

bridge (7/16 or 4/9 from nut) (I can’t get a clear harmonic on this one on the dulcimer)

Make a Pick

• You can make a pick by cutting a piece from a plastic water bottle into a comfortable shape

Find the Frequency of the String

• Record the sound of the open string– Note that a tighter string sounds higher

than a looser one

• Use the wavanal program to find the frequency of the sound– On the Web page for wavanal, there is

also a pitcher program which may be helpful (it is probably not in Lab 4 now)

Monochord Exercise• Practice playing this exercise on your

monochord

Down in the Valley

Monochord Exercise• Practice playing this exercise on your

monochord

Foster: Camptown Races

Monochord Exercise• Practice playing this exercise on your

monochord

Barbara Allen

Composition• Continue working on your

composition–What to do is up to you – this is the

beginning of your composition, not an exercise

– The next version of your composition is due in the lab next week

• You can record some string sounds and add them to your composition

P.S.

• There may be a composition question and a progress report on your final project on the Midterm Exam, so developing some thoughts about these things may help you