Woodwinds can play softly and with technical dexterity much more easily in the high range. Brass has the distinct strength of being able to be heard over almost anything. They produce sounds that are rounder and more relaxing to listen to, as opposed to the harsh, metallic sounds of brass instruments.

Although both types of instruments use a force of air to make a sound, the mouthpiece of woodwind instruments requires a reed while the mouthpiece of brass instruments do not.

Like woodwinds, brass instruments are part of the wind instrument category, with the most common being trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, trombone, tuba, euphonium, baritone horn, alto (tenor) horn and French horn. Although these have some similarities with woodwinds, there are numerous differences as well.