How come Stringed instruments play better in sharp keys than in Flat keys?

Question

How come Stringed instruments play better in sharp keys than in Flat keys?

Answer 1

Stringed instruments don't play better in one key or another, it just depends on who's playing it. They're tuned to a different note than say, woodwind or brass instruments, so it seems like they play better with sharps. Flats, you just have to work harder at.

Answer 2

1. The sharp keys are more likely to be able to use open strings.

2. The sharp keys tend to contain more notes that set off sympathetic resonances with the open strings, thus giving a richer sound.

3. They are easier to play in, but for an accomplished musician this should not be a huge factor.

Answer 3

It would be more correct to say that string instruments are easier to play in keys with sharps, not that they play better. It has to do with tuning and how much experience one has with the instrument. String instruments are tuned to the following pitches:

Violin: G, D, A, E

Viola & Cello: C, G, D, A

Double Bass: E, A, D, G

None of the major keys that begin with any of those pitches contain any flats, so the keys that string players are most comfortable with are those with no flats. By contrast, wind or brass instruments that are tuned to B-flat or E-flat are easier to play in keys with flats.

Advanced players can play in pretty much any key with ease.

Answer 4

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