String Instruments 101
Are you or your child interested in playing a string instrument? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we will explain what playing a string instrument entails and give you a run-down of each instrument in this category.
What is a String Instrument
String instruments can be defined as instruments that produce sound from vibrating strings, which are set in motion by plucking, strumming, or bowing. The string family is pretty vast, spanning from violins and cellos to guitars and ukuleles. There is no limit to the genre or style of music these instruments produce, making them a great and versatile instrument to pick up. The hard part is figuring out which one (or how many) you want to play.
Classical String Instruments
Classical string instruments, AKA what you see in a traditional orchestra, include violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Every one of these instruments except double bass is traditionally played sitting down, and all of them are played with the instrument in your left hand and the bow in your right hand. Classical string instruments are typically made of wood, which is what gives them that soft and natural sound. The bow is typically made of horsehair and uses rosin to allow the musician to create a sharper sound with more resonance. Let’s go over what sets each of these instruments apart from one another.
Violin
The violin is the smallest classical string instrument, so it has the highest pitch. When in tune, the strings on the violin include E, A, D, and G. The violin as we know it today dates back to the 16th century. Although we are looking at the violin the context of an orchestra, this instrument is also lovingly referred to as the fiddle because of its contribution to country and bluegrass music.
Viola
The viola is a unique instrument because it falls in pitch between the violin and the cello. This is why it’s bigger than a violin and smaller than a cello. With strings of A, D, G, and C, this instrument has a middle range making it perfect for harmonies that add life to the pieces an orchestra plays. Fun fact: the viola is the only classical string instrument that uses alto clef in sheet music.
Cello
As we move lower in range across the classical string instruments, the cello is next on our list. The cello is a middle-low range instrument with strings in A, D, G, and C that are an octave lower than each of the strings on the viola. While the violin and viola are played on one’s shoulder, the cello is rested on the ground with the musician’s legs on either side when played. The cello helps blend the viola and violin together, creating a richer depth to orchestral pieces.
Double Bass
The bass is the lowest and largest on our list of classical string instruments. In fact, the bass is so big that you typically have to play it standing up. Traditionally, the bass strings are tuned the same as the violin (E, A, D, and G) but two octaves lower. Because of how low the bass can go, it adds tremendous power when included in musical pieces of all kinds. We are currently talking about the role a double bass plays in an orchestra, but the double bass is also commonly used in jazz pieces.
Other String Instruments
Aside from the more traditional ones, there are many other string instruments to try! This next group does not include a bow and can be left or right-handed depending on the musician. Let’s dive in!
Guitar
The guitar is unique for everyone because of how many different things a guitar can be. A guitar can be electric, acoustic, or both. A guitar can be a Fender, a Telecaster, a Martin, or any other make or model. A guitar can be made of wood, steel, plastic, or a combination of those materials. Guitars typically have six strings, but they can also have twelve or more. This might sound overwhelming, but don’t worry. The basic musical concepts are the same no matter what kind of guitar you play. Once you start to play the guitar, an endless number of doors open to what the guitar can be for you. That’s what makes it so fun to play! All you have to do is start playing and go from there.
Electric Bass
Just like the guitar, the electric bass is a pretty versatile instrument, with models available in various string configurations (five, six, or more strings), scale lengths, and electronic options to suit different musical styles. The bass typically has four strings that are tuned one octave lower than the four lowest strings of a standard guitar. Additionally, part of what makes the electric bass different from the guitar is its role in a musical ensemble. While the guitar plays melody and the percussion section handles the rhythm, the bass blends the two together working in sync with the drummer to create the groove of the song.
Ukulele
The ukulele is a smaller, four-stringed instrument that is actually a member of the lute family. It is known for its cheerful, bright sound and how easy it is to learn, making it popular among beginners and experienced musicians alike. Ukuleles come in a variety of sizes that change their tone and volume including soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The ukulele as we know it today has roots in Hawaii, which makes sense when you listen to its relaxing tone. Thanks Hawaii!
We have a wonderful group of teachers at BTB that are dedicated to helping you master a wide variety of string instruments. Click here to learn about our teachers! We hope this article gives you some insight and inspires you to pick up the perfect string instrument for you.
As an institution that is a beat above the rest, Breaking the Barrier School of Music provides quality music lessons in a family atmosphere to students of all ages and skillsets. For more articles like these or information on this school, visit https://btbschoolofmusic.com/
