Pitch
We can identify bells by listening to their relative pitch… the treble being the highest pitched note and the others gradually moving down the musical scale to the tenor, which is the lowest pitched note. The pitch of a bell is always relative, because if you ring a larger or smaller set of bells, the pitch (note/frequency) associated with a specific number will be different. Not only could the scale start on any named note… in reality it could easily be anywhere in the gaps too.
For example, at a 10 bell tower like Pebworth, the pitch of the treble will vary depending on whether you ring 6, 8, 10 or an alternative set, such as a front 6. At other towers, with heavier or lighter bells, it will also be completely different.
Above you can see a keyboard with 10 white notes highlighted… these could easily match to 4 different sets of bells, all of which meet standard expectations of a major scale ending on the ‘tonic’ note.
If you have ever learned a musical instrument and done the grade exams, you will know that as part of the exam, you have to do ‘Aural Tests’ (listening tests). The exams include elements not much different to these games, where you are helped to develop your ‘relative pitch’. Picking out a note, with respect to the others around it. It is a very useful skill, when you need to pick your own bell out in a change. Without it, identifying and fixing your striking problems becomes a little harder to do!
Where's the Treble: 6-Bell - Example
What place is the treble in?
If you listen to the example clip, you will probably recognise the call change as Whittingtons… 531246. So 5 is leading and the treble is in third place.
If you click the correct box, you will get a ‘Well Done’ or message. Click any other box and you will be asked to ‘Think Again’. Do try listening again too… don’t just guess!
Because this example is a well known call change, it very easy. Most of the questions in the game are far less obvious, as we are keen for you to listen and learn, not just recognise something you know very well already.
Help and Advice
Learning a new skills is always tricky and may take considerable time and effort. Training your ear, is actually no different and for those with no previous experience, just like bell handling, it can seem like an impossible task… but even if you get things wrong, you will be growing your listening skills and with it, your awareness… Keep practicing, and it will help you improve!
If you find you are struggling, then try the following:
- Try to count the bells after the open hand stroke, until you hear the highest bell (the treble) sound.