open string

American  

noun

1. a staircase string whose top follows the profile of the steps in such a way that the treads project beyond its outer face.

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Example Sentences

“The note has a beginning, a middle and an end. This open string must not sound like an open string!”

From Washington Post • Sep. 14, 2021

He sped the piece up, and moved the song to a higher key so that he could use the vibrant sound of the cello’s lowest open string.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2016

Mr. Reid stamped its droning bass ostinato with a weighty authority, laying into an open string, while Mr. Lewis played a sly rhythmic game of tension and release.

From New York Times • Sep. 25, 2014

The brittle melody that surfaced, with its classical intimations, was set against a yawning low drone on a slack-tuned open string.

From New York Times • Jan. 6, 2011

It stands to reason that the use of the fourth finger involves more effort, is a greater tax of strength, and that the open string is an easier playing proposition.

From Violin Mastery Talks with Master Violinists and Teachers by Martens, Frederick Herman