Log inSign up for FREE
Library

5extension: The Physics of a Guitar Portfolio

Last updated over 3 years ago
18 questions
Note from the author:
Formative version of the 5 extension- The Physics of Building a Guitar
Exploration of Musical Instruments

Exploration of Musical Instruments

Parts of a typical acoustic guitar

1. Headstock
2. Nut
3. Tuning Pegs
4. Frets
6. Inlays
7. Neck and fretboard
8. Heel
9. Body
12. Bridge
14. Back
15. Soundboard (top)
16. Body sides (ribs)
17. Sound hole
18. Strings
19. Saddle
20. Fretboard

Citation:
Information gathered from Wikipedia 2013
Required
0.5

Wild Guess: How does a guitar work?

Hypothesis

Hypothesis

Brainstorm - Think of 3 variables (things you could reasonably change) that could affect the pitch (frequency modulation, or FM) and 1 variable that could affect the volume (loudness) of sound (amplitude modulation, or AM) you would hear from a guitar.

Graph a low data prediction about the variables’ relationships and a one sentence explanation for how you think your idea would have an effect on the pitch.
0.5
Variable A (affects pitch): _______

Proposed Explanation for Effect: _______
0.25

Graph a low data (wild guess) prediction about Variable A's relationship to pitch.

0.5
Variable B (affects pitch): _______

Proposed Explanation for Effect: _______
0.25

Graph a low data (wild guess) prediction about Variable B's relationship to pitch.

0.5
Variable C (affects pitch): _______

Proposed Explanation for Effect: _______
0.25

Graph a low data (wild guess) prediction about Variable C's relationship to pitch.

0.5
Variable D (affects volume): _______

Proposed Explanation for Effect: _______
0.25

Graph a low data (wild guess) prediction about Variable D's relationship to volume.

Blending Art and Science: Building a Guitar

Blending Art and Science: Build a Guitar

Use the instructions on the left to build your guitar (scroll down to keep reading), or open the document in a separate window with this link.
To Play
Attempt to tune your guitar to as close as possible the following scale, known as "standard tuning" (EADGBe), and is as follows:
  • sixth string: E - lowest tone - (a minor thirteenth below middle C—82.4 Hz)
  • fifth string: A (a minor tenth below middle C—110 Hz)
  • fourth string: D (a minor seventh below middle C—146.8 Hz)
  • third string: G (a perfect fourth below middle C—196.0 Hz)
  • second string: B (a minor second below middle C—246.92 Hz)
  • first string: e - highest tone - (a major third above middle C—329.6 Hz)
Standard tuning has evolved to provide a good compromise between simple fingering for many chords and the ability to play common scales with minimal left hand movement.
0.25

What is standard tuning?

0.25

What is one reason you can think of for why standard tuning is an important part of playing music?

1
Inquiry into the Physics of a Guitar

Inquiry into the Physics of a Guitar

Once your guitar is built to specifications and tuned as well as you are able, experimentally investigate all three of your variables relating to pitch (A, B, and C) and one for volume (D).

Graph your outcomes below.
0.5

Graph your data informed result showing Variable A's relationship to pitch.

0.5

Graph your data informed result showing Variable B's relationship to pitch.

0.5

Graph your data informed result showing Variable C's relationship to pitch.

0.5

Graph your data informed result showing Variable D's relationship to volume.

Final Evidence-Based Explanation

Learning from Other People's Inquiry

Watch the video below for more information about the physics of guitar to at least 4:29 to answer the question on the right.
1
An acoustic guitar has a hollow body that allows the sound waves to grow in __________ because of constructive interference, resulting in a louder volume (1:09).

Pressing on the guitar strings is effectively __________ the string, resulting in the pitch getting __________ because the frequency is __________(3:04).

The thicker the string, the __________ frequency, the __________ the pitch (3:35).

If you bend the string up, you __________ the tension in the string, and the pitch will get __________ (4:29).

Final Evidence-Based Explanation

You are now ready to explain the Advanced Physics of a Guitar.

Helpful questions to think about when constructing your explanation of how guitars work:
Why does a guitar have its various parts?
Why does it have tuning pegs?
Why does it have frets?
Why are the strings different?
What makes a guitar sound different than the similar violin or cello?
Why do guitars have that big front and box with a hole?
2

The Advanced Physics of a Guitar:

For the written description cite your evidence (graphs) and include the technical terms: pitch, string, natural frequency, tension, length, thickness (linear mass density), transfer of energy, bridge, soundboard, loudness, resonance, vibration, motion.