- By adjusting the tension of the strings. Tightening the strings increases pitch, while loosening them decreases pitch.
- By changing the length of the vibrating portion of the string. A longer string produces a lower pitch, while a shorter string produces a higher pitch.
Wind instruments:
- By changing the length of the air column. A longer air column produces a lower pitch, while a shorter air column produces a higher pitch.
- By changing the embouchure. The embouchure is the way the player's lips interact with the mouthpiece. Different embouchures can produce different pitches.
Brass instruments:
- By changing the length of the air column. A longer air column produces a lower pitch, while a shorter air column produces a higher pitch.
- By changing the tension of the lips. Tighter lips produce a higher pitch, while looser lips produce a lower pitch.
Percussion instruments:
- By varying the size of the instrument. Larger instruments produce lower pitches, while smaller instruments produce higher pitches.
- By changing the material used to make the instrument. Different materials produce different pitches.