Wind instruments: Woodwind instruments

Instruments are grouped according to the method used for sound production. In the case of wind instruments, as the name suggests, the main element is air flow. These instruments are also known as 'aerophones'.

The sound is produced through the shear or vibration effect of the air against the structure of the instrument.

Wind instruments are divided into two types: brass and woodwind, which are related to the materials from which they are made:

In the case of brass instruments, they are mainly made of metal.
In the case of woodwind instruments, initially they were made of wood, but with their evolution, some parts have been modified and new materials have been introduced.

Woodwind instruments

Woodwind instruments were originally made of wood. Nevertheless, some of them, such as the flute or the saxophone, are made of metal.

Its sound is soft, melodious and deep.

How do woodwind instruments work?

Woodwind instruments are played by blowing air through one end. They have a cylindrical body with holes that can be covered or uncovered to change the notes. They come in different sizes and shapes to produce different sounds.

Some instruments, such as the saxophone or clarinet, have a specific piece named the reed. The hole, where we blow into the flaute, is the mouthpiece.

Some examples of woodwind instruments are:

- Flute: It is made of metal and is played horizontally. Works with a mouthpiece. The holes are covered and uncovered using mechanisms with keys.

- Piccolo: Its timbre is similar to that of the flute but its tessitura is sharper. In terms of size it is smaller. It is manufactured with a wooden body and metal parts. It also has mechanisms with keys for the holes.

- Oboe: Its body is made of wood and has metal parts. It works with a double reed. Unlike flutes, the oboe has a nasal timbre. It is played vertically with both hands using key mechanisms.