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Interesting Instruments Trivia Quiz

Each instrument is interesting in its own way. This quiz is about lots of different instruments used in orchestras and bands and by solo musicians.

A multiple-choice quiz by KentQuizzer. Estimated time: 2 mins.

Author
KentQuizzer

Time
2 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
378,391

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Very Easy

Avg Score
9 / 10

Plays
660

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which of these brass instruments looks much longer than the others? Hint

Trumpet

Bugle

Cornet

Trombone

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of these string instruments is the biggest? Hint

Guitar

Violin

Cello

Viola

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which of these wind instruments is the smallest? Hint

Oboe

Flute

Piccolo

Clarinet

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Question 4 of 10

4. Which of these brass instruments has the most circular coil of tubing? Hint

Cornet

Trumpet

Horn (French Horn)

Trombone

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which wind instrument was invented by Adolphe Sax? Hint

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Saxophone

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Question 6 of 10

6. Which small string instrument originally came from Hawaii? Hint

Ukulele

Electric guitar

Banjo

Acoustic guitar

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which string instrument is usually plucked with the fingers and comes in various sizes? Hint

Viola

Violin

Harp

Cello

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Question 8 of 10

8. Which of these shapes is also the name of a standard percussion instrument? Hint

Triangle

Pentagon

Square

Hexagon

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Question 9 of 10

9. Which small wind instrument is part of a family of instruments possibly dating back 12,000 years? Hint

Saxophone

Ocarina

Oboe

Clarinet

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Question 10 of 10

10. Which unusual "instrument" features in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" about a major military campaign? Hint

Cannon

Police car siren

Bicycle bell

Whistle

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which of these brass instruments looks much longer than the others?

Answer: Trombone

The trombone used to be known as the "sackbut". The trombonist alters the pitch by moving the "slide" to make the air tube shorter or longer.

2. Which of these string instruments is the biggest?

Answer: Cello

The cello has four strings and is played with a bow. When playing, the cellist attaches an endpin to rest this large instrument on the floor.

3. Which of these wind instruments is the smallest?

Answer: Piccolo

The piccolo is a small version of the flute. The name comes from the Italian word for "small".

4. Which of these brass instruments has the most circular coil of tubing?

Answer: Horn (French Horn)

The brass tubing is coiled as with many other brass instuments, but in this case part of the coil is circular. The instrument is also unusual because the bell (where the sound comes out) does not face forward.

5. Which wind instrument was invented by Adolphe Sax?

Answer: Saxophone

The saxophone is usually made of brass and combines features of the clarinet and the horn. It was invented by the Belgian Adolphe Sax in the 1840s.

6. Which small string instrument originally came from Hawaii?

Answer: Ukulele

The ukulele, or "uke", is a small guitar-like instrument from the lute family. It was developed in Hawaii during 1800s based on an earlier Portuguese instrument.

7. Which string instrument is usually plucked with the fingers and comes in various sizes?

Answer: Harp

Many string instruments are played with a bow, but the harp is plucked. Harps have featured in many cultures throughout history. Harps vary in size greatly from handheld versions to large ones standing on the floor.

8. Which of these shapes is also the name of a standard percussion instrument?

Answer: Triangle

The triangle is a metal bar bent into the shape of a triangle. It is typically suspended from a line and hit with a wand. It looks very simple but experts can produce lots of interesting sounds.

9. Which small wind instrument is part of a family of instruments possibly dating back 12,000 years?

Answer: Ocarina

The ocarina is a simple small wind instrument with finger holes and a mouthpiece. It has historical roots in China and the Americas. The ocarina became popular in Europe during the 1800s.

10. Which unusual "instrument" features in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" about a major military campaign?

Answer: Cannon

The "1812 Overture" commemorates Russia successfully defending Moscow from attack by Napoleon in 1812. The climax is very noisy and includes cannonfire! Various methods are used to create this effect, including real cannons at outdoor events and toy cannons or recordings indoors.

Source: Author KentQuizzer

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor NatalieW before going online.
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