Which term would you identify as the opposite of bowed playing in strings?

Which term would you identify as the opposite of bowed playing in strings?

• A. Portamento
• B. Prelude
• C. Pizzicato
• D. Obbligato

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is the distinction between bowed and plucked string techniques. On string instruments, sound can be produced by drawing a bow across the strings (bowed playing) or by plucking the strings with the fingers (plucked playing). The term that describes the opposite of bowed playing is pizzicato, which means plucking the strings. The other terms point to different ideas: portamento is a slide between pitches, a prelude is an introductory piece, and obbligato refers to a prominent, necessary melodic line. So pizzicato is the best answer because it specifically denotes plucking, the direct opposite of using a bow.

The main concept here is the distinction between bowed and plucked string techniques. On string instruments, sound can be produced by drawing a bow across the strings (bowed playing) or by plucking the strings with the fingers (plucked playing). The term that describes the opposite of bowed playing is pizzicato, which means plucking the strings. The other terms point to different ideas: portamento is a slide between pitches, a prelude is an introductory piece, and obbligato refers to a prominent, necessary melodic line. So pizzicato is the best answer because it specifically denotes plucking, the direct opposite of using a bow.