range
ranges
stringed instrument ranges
guitar
violin
viola
cello
'cello
violoncello
bass
double bass
standup bass
stand-up bass
stand up bass
violin family
frequencies in hz
guitar fingerboard frequencies in hz
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Stringed Instrument RangesThe chart below shows the open strings of the guitar, as compared with the open strings of the double bass, violoncello, viola and violin, at actual pitch on the grand staff. Although the double bass is notated in bass clef, it plays the notes one octave lower than written (as does the guitar) and the pitches of the four strings are written here as they actually sound in relationship to the other instruments shown. The double bass and the guitar are conventionally written one octave higher. The 'cello is sometimes notated in bass clef and sometimes in tenor clef, and the viola usually in alto clef, but at actual pitch as shown in the chart. The violin is always written at actual pitch in treble clef, which means that when a guitarist and a violinist read the same notation, the violin will sound an octave higher. |
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The range of musical sound from the lowest note of the double bass to the
highest range of the violin (including the uppermost harmonic notes) covers
about 6 octaves. In mathematical terms this range is from about
41 vibrations-per-second (Hz) up to about 2700 Hz.
The possible continuum of musical sound may be considered to extend past these limitations toward infinitely low and high pitches, well past the limits of human hearing. An educated guitarist ought to be aware of the relative position of the guitar's range within this greater continuum of musical sound. He or she will also benefit from becoming familiar with the relative ranges of other instruments. We recommend the practice of reading octave transpositions on the guitar so as not to be limited by the guitar's own particular notation. 
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Last page update 03-17-08 |
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