Final answer:
Musical instruments are classified into wind, woodwind, brass, stringed, and percussion types based on their sound production methods. A flute, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, and drum can each represent one of these categories. The pitch range of an instrument can often be determined by its physical size and the length of its sound-producing parts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we classify musical instruments in western music theory, we typically categorize them into groups based on how they produce sound. One example of each type would be: for wind instruments, a flute; for woodwind instruments, a clarinet; for brass instruments, a trumpet; for stringed instruments, a guitar; and for percussion instruments, a drum.
To determine which of two unidentifiable musical instruments produces high- or low-pitched sounds without hearing them, you could examine their physical characteristics. Generally, instruments that are larger and have longer tubes or strings tend to produce lower pitches, while smaller instruments or those with shorter tubes or strings produce higher pitches. Additionally, if it is a wind or brass instrument, you might look for elements like the length of the tubing or the size of the instrument's body.
In the context of studying music, a guitar is classified as a stringed instrument because it produces sound through the vibration of strings. This classification is based on the method of sound production rather than the material of the instrument.