[Margie]

Why do string players tend to play better in sharp keys? And why do wind and brass instrumentalists tend to play better in flat keys? Please answer my question as soon as you can! Thanks!

[Tyson]

Well that is hard to answer because that doesn't happen for everyone. More than likely it is just easier for them because that is the kind of music you'll get to play most of the time. There isn't a real answer for it because it varries for different people.

[RJS1121]

Hi Margie. I will tell you why wind and brass players tend to play better in flat keys. It is because, in the 6th grade or whatever grade they begin playing, the band directors tend to introduce the students to band books that start with the flats first. Then because of that, the music band directors choose is in keys of flats. For most of the first three years of band / music instruction - all that is drummed in players' heads is flats.... Get into high school and there is a deficit on playing in sharps. I play and teach flute and that is how it is. That is how it was for me and knowing that, I always assign #'s studies.... scales, etudes, solos, sightreading... all in sharps. I am hardheaded in that I will not let my students be weak in playing sharps. I can only think this might be the same reason for strings being better in sharps than flats. We get better at what we see and do every day... that which is familiar to us... not things we do only every once in a while. This makes perfect sense to me. Hope I was able to help. Thanks for reading.

[pooryorrick]

I agree fully with RJS1121. Think he pretty much nailed it. After starting on piano at 4 years old, I played oboe at 8, and then went to Bass Viol at 9. (All the while, still taking private piano lessons.) This has kind of been a walk down memory lane for me, as after reading this question, I dug out a box I have in storage, and started looking through my old band and orchestra books from elementary, junior high and high school. Most of the music I was playing was in flat keys. Wasnt until I hit high school that sharps were being introduced. After doing some research here online, and digging out some very dusty theory books from many moons ago, my suspicians were also confirmed. As a rule of thumb, string instruments are tuned in sharp keys, while winds and brass instruments have a tendency to be in flat keys. Hope this has been of some help.