The String Family

1. The String Family

2. The Bow • The bow is used to create sound on stringed instruments. • “Arco” means to play WITH the bow. • “Pizzicato” means to play without the bow and with the musician’s fingers.

3. The Violin • The violin is the smallest member of the string family, and the therefore the highest in pitch. • It’s strings, from lowest to highest are G-D-A-E • The violin is played sitting down or standing up, and is played just off of the musician’s left shoulder and chin.

4. Viola • The viola is just larger than the violin and therefore just a little bit lower in pitch. • It’s strings, from lowest to highest are C-G-D-A • The viola is played sitting down or standing up, and is played just off of the musician’s left shoulder and chin.

5. Cello • The cello is larger than the viola and therefore much lower in pitch. • It’s strings, from lowest to highest are C-G-D-A, like the viola, however, they are much lower. • The cello is played sitting down. And end pin helps to balance the instrument.

6. Double Bass • The double bass is larger than the cello and therefore much lower in pitch. It is the LARGEST member of the string family. • It’s strings, from lowest to highest are E-A-D-G • The cello is played sitting down (on a stool) or standing up. And end pin helps to balance the instrument.

7. Harp • The harp has 47 different strings. • The players strums or plucks the strings to change the sound. • The three pedals at the bottom of the instrument are also used in changing the pitch up or down.