What does a reed's resistance measure?

The measure of a reed's resistance primarily refers to the level of embouchure tension required when playing the instrument. Resistance is an important characteristic that affects how easily a musician can produce sound. A reed with higher resistance means that it requires more embouchure control and pressure to vibrate, affecting the player's overall technique and sound production.

Musicians need to adjust their embouchure based on the resistance of the reed they are using. This is essential for maintaining an optimal sound quality and for executing dynamics and articulation effectively. A reed that is too resistant might hinder the player's ability to play softly or quickly, while one that is too easy to blow may not respond well to nuances in playing.

While the other choices touch upon related aspects of playing a reed instrument, such as thickness and tonal range, they do not directly address what resistance specifically measures in relation to the embouchure and sound production. Thus, understanding reed resistance is crucial for musicians, particularly those who play woodwind instruments.