logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
27m 4s

How do stringed instruments make sounds?

American Public Media
About this episode

Have you ever wondered why a guitar sounds different from a violin? Or why a banjo is twangy and a cello is mellow? Then this episode is for you!

Join Molly and co-host Ellie as they explore the ear-tickling world of string sounds! Together, they’ll learn about sound waves, and visit the Brains On instrument petting zoo, where they'll learn about all the amazing sounds that stringed instruments can make. Plus, a shiny new mystery sound!


Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free feeds, bonus episodes, and ticket discounts!


Today’s episode is sponsored by:
- Poshpeanut.com/brainson - Receive 20% off your first order
- Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit with code brainson
- Paramount’s IF - From writer and director John Krasinski comes a new film about what happens to our Imaginary Friends (IFs) when we grow up. Out in theaters on May 17th!

Up next
Jun 11
A big update about the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 56s
Jun 3
The life of a NASA astronaut
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find ... Show More
35m 17s
May 27
How do weather stations predict the weather?
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find ... Show More
28m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
I comme Instruments de Musique
10 minutes pour devenir incollable sur les instruments de musique ! Quel instrument a une forme triangulaire ? Avec quoi le violoniste frotte-t-il les cordes de son violon ? Quel instrument a un nom d’oiseau ? Des questions ludiques | des chiffres surprenants | des vrais-faux ri ... Show More
11m 46s
Aug 2020
Guilds & Goblins #1: What if you played a trumpet and got sucked in?
Zach and Zizi are trying out something new this week, a tabletop role-playing game where violence ISN’T the solution to their problems. Let’s roll some natural 20s together… That’s a good roll ;) Lessons include: assuming the worst of others makes it hard to find friends or build ... Show More
20m 42s
Dec 2020
What How World: Tell Your Own Story!
Mr. Eric gets a little help from Alabaster, Abacus, and Cleocatra as he runs you through a story activity. This is a great activity to try with friends and even grownups! Lessons include: Learn how to start your own make believe scenes from a simple suggestion; you’ll have more f ... Show More
19m 47s
Oct 2021
Creature Speakers: The art of voicing monsters
To give voices to the frightening monsters in movies, TV shows, and video games, sound designers often start with animal noises, then apply all kinds of creative processing. But other times, these sounds begin with human voice actors, who absolutely shred their vocal cords for ou ... Show More
32m 19s
May 2018
S4 E8: Candyland
The explorers encounter the cutest aliens they've ever seen, but how do they taste? The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a sci-fi story podcast for kids. Many thanks to Mark Greenberg of the Mayfair Workshop for his theme music. Other music is by Visager, used via Creative Com ... Show More
23m 15s
Dec 2023
How the synthesizer changed music forever
Synthesizers are revolutionary instruments. These electronic devices use knobs, buttons and sliders to make different sounds — and you can hear them in all sorts of music, from pop to hip-hop. But that wasn’t always the case. Join Joy and co-host Lilike as they explore the histor ... Show More
27m 42s
May 2020
How Musical Instruments Work
What makes a trumpet sound different from a guitar? How do flutes work? In this episode, we look at how musical instruments actually create their respective, distinctive sounds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener fo ... Show More
45m 43s
Feb 2019
S5 E18: BeeBop Tales: Change the Channel
BeeBop answers a listener question and makes his small-screen debut. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a sci-fi story podcast for kids. Many thanks to Mark Greenberg of the Mayfair Workshop for his theme music. Other music is by Visager, used via Creative Commons. Send your ... Show More
15m 44s
Mar 2020
S7 E6: Solo Robo Endings, Part 1
Thanks to all of our amazing kid writers! Also, contain your excitement, but we're starting up a monthly newsletter! It'll contain book recommendations, podcast recommendations, puzzles, jokes, news and more! Sign up here. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a sci-fi story po ... Show More
18m 41s
Aug 2018
S4 E23: BeeBop Tales: Ghost Town
In this week’s episode, BeeBop answers some listener questions and then continues the story where there are exactly zero surprises! The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a sci-fi story podcast for kids. Many thanks to Mark Greenberg of the Mayfair Workshop for his theme music. ... Show More
10m 25s