plectrum
Quick Summary
A plectrum is a small, flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings of a stringed musical instrument. It is also commonly referred to as a pick. The word "plectrum" originates from the Greek word plēktra, meaning "to strike". Plectrums have been in use since at least 1608 and can have plural forms of either "plectra" or "plectrums". A French variation of the word is "plectre".12
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stringed instrumentThe production of sound…player’s fingernail or a plastic plectrum) emphasizes the higher overtones, thus creating a “bright” tone quality. By contrast, a soft pad, such as that on a piano hammer, emphasizes the fundamental pitch. The relative hardness of the hammer on the piano is thus of critical importance to the sound of…
Read More…player’s fingernail or a plastic plectrum) emphasizes the higher overtones, thus creating a “bright” tone quality. By contrast, a soft pad, such as that on a piano hammer, emphasizes the fundamental pitch. The relative hardness of the hammer on the piano is thus of critical importance to the sound of…
Read More- stringed instrumentBowed lutes
…distinction between plucking with a plectrum and bowing, since plucking sometimes involves rubbing the string. But bowing, defined as the use of the almost universally encountered horsehair bow, can be traced as far back as the Muslim civilization of the 10th century. The stroked rabāb evidently possessed a long neck…
Read More…distinction between plucking with a plectrum and bowing, since plucking sometimes involves rubbing the string. But bowing, defined as the use of the almost universally encountered horsehair bow, can be traced as far back as the Muslim civilization of the 10th century. The stroked rabāb evidently possessed a long neck…
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