Wood Block

As Printed on a Score

Labels the wood block line (Wood Block or Woodblock), written on a single line; two or more blocks of different sizes are written on separate lines or spaces. Temple blocks, a graded set of rounder-sounding hollow blocks, are a different instrument with their own label.

Also spelled: Woodblock

How Composers Use It

A hollow wooden block struck with a stick or hard mallet gives a sharp, dry, high click — clocks, hooves, mechanical ticking. It carries clearly and has no sustain, so it suits precise rhythms, but long patterns quickly become monotonous. Name the beater, and say high or low if you use more than one block.

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