Musical Instruments Trivia Questions and Answers

How many keys, how many strings, and which family does that instrument really belong to? These musical instrument questions cover the piano, guitar, the orchestra's string section and a few surprises. Each answer comes with a short explanation — handy for music students, and fun for anyone who has ever wondered how an orchestra fits together.

5 questions · Every answer explained · Fact-checked October 2026

1. 1. How many keys are there on a standard full-size piano?

   • A. 76
   • B. 84
   • C. 88
   • D. 92
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   C. 88 — A standard modern piano has 88 keys: 52 white and 36 black.

2. 2. How many strings does a standard classical acoustic guitar have?

   • A. 4
   • B. 5
   • C. 6
   • D. 12
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   C. 6 — A classical guitar is strung with six strings, tuned E-A-D-G-B-E from low to high.

3. 3. Which is the largest of the standard orchestral string instruments?

   • A. Violin
   • B. Viola
   • C. Cello
   • D. Double bass
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   D. Double bass — The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the string section.

4. 4. Despite its brass body, the saxophone belongs to which instrument family?

   • A. Brass
   • B. Woodwind
   • C. Percussion
   • D. Strings
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   B. Woodwind — The saxophone makes its sound with a reed, which makes it a woodwind.

   Did you know? It was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the 1840s.

5. 5. How many strings does a standard violin have?

   • A. 3
   • B. 4
   • C. 5
   • D. 6
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   B. 4 — A violin has four strings, tuned G, D, A and E.

   Did you know? It's the highest-pitched member of the orchestra's string family, above the viola, cello and double bass.