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). All exams include elements not much different to this, 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!
If you have never done this before, you may find it quite tricky… but just like bell handling, it is well worth persisting with and practice, you will gradually improve your ears ability to judge these things. Like all things… even a small degree of improvement and benefit is useful… so do not expect to become a musical prodigy like Mozart!
Who is Leading: 6-Bell - Example
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 box 5, 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 is 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.
Which Bell is Leading?
Help and Advice
If you find you are struggling, then try the following:
- Listen for either the treble or tenor and try to sing up or down the scale, to or from the note you hear as the leading bell… it will never be more than 2 notes away from one of those!