Why does a violin string give out a higher note when tightened up?

1. 59

   hubpointposted 12 years ago

   Why does a violin string give out a higher note when tightened up?
   
   

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2. 53

   guitartunershopposted 12 years ago

   This is a great question: when the violin string is tightening, the frequency of the string is higher owing to the string pattern : in the violins case it is making very quick back and forth movements from the bow at a faster pace. This pace creates a shorter frequency and it is a shorter cycle of the frequency that creates a higher sound. Hope that helps.

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3. 0

   Several Composersposted 11 years ago

   Because it then vibrates faster, and the waves set up by it in the air strike the ear in quicker succession.

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4. 88

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 9 years ago

   A bit oversimplified: when one tightens a violin string 1) in tuning the instrument or 2) by depressing ("stopping") a string while playing, one effectively shortens the string. To clarify, in the case of stopping a string by fingertip, one is effectively removing a part of the string closest to the pegs; in the case of tuning, one removes a part of the string from the fingerboard by winding that part up on a peg. All of this shortening causes additional tension in the string. Increased tension increases the frequency produced when the string is bowed or plucked, causing a higher pitch. Loose strings vibrate more slowly and producer lower pitches and the opposite is true.
   
   Thanks for the question!

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