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unpitched

unpitched

1 7.4
Having no clear musical note like many drums and cymbals
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈpɪtʃt/
  • Specialized
: sin tono
  • An unpitched sound, like a clap or a tap on a drum, does not have a defined musical note associated with it.
  • unpitched percussion
  • unpitched instrument
  • unpitched singer

Examples

  • Having become fascinated by modern dance, he started writing dance scores for ensembles of unpitched percussion instruments that could not produce any sort of harmony, Western or otherwise.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Most children find unpitched percussion instruments easier to play than melodic instruments and can achieve a level of skill that facilitates improvisation rather quickly.

    Academic text (2001)
  • So we can create something somewhat in between a pitched and unpitched sound if we try with the low pass filter.

  • Sing it or play on pitched percussion with simple unpitched accompaniment.

    Academic text (2008)
  • As children gain control of instrumental technique and the concept of imitation, unpitched percussion and melodic instruments are engaging media for imitation.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Homemade unpitched percussion can be used to imitate the sound of rattles and shakers by filling containers with natural ingredients such as grains, seeds, or rocks.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Children often begin with unpitched percussion instruments because they are easier to handle than those that play specific notes.

  • In music classes, teachers use unpitched instruments to help students focus on rhythm rather than melody.

Antonyms

44 4.0

Having a sound that is clearly high or low

How Pitched

in tune
39 3.7
pitched
44 4.0
unpitched
  • Specialized
1 7.4

Surface Forms

unpitched positive

Morphology

unpitched = pitched (transparent) = un + pitch + ed

The word 'unpitched' is transparently derived from 'pitched' by adding the prefix 'un-' to indicate negation.

Etymology

Unpitched is made of un- meaning 'not' and pitch, which means the 'high or low' of a sound. So, unpitched describes a sound or instrument that does not have a clear musical note, like a snare drum.