The dynamic properties of soils are affected by parameters like, gradation characteristics, void ratio, confining pressure, etc. . This study mainly investigated experimentally the effect of gradation on the dynamic properties of sands with the effect of void ratio and confining pressure. Test results showed that shear modulus/damping ratio was increased/decreased with the decrease of void ratio and with the increase of confining pressure. When the fine content increased, shear modulus/damping ratio was decreased/increased. This study explained this phenomenon by the concept of the "effective number of contacts" and the "dead space".ot;dead space".uot;.