string instruments list with pictures and names

The harp is divided into two main types – lever and pedal. It is a plucked string instrument with several strings running at an angle to the soundboard. HarpĪlso included in our string instruments list is the harp. Originally,įun fact: Double bass produces the bass tones, not the cello. Classical players also often employ a fortissimo dynamic, creating dark, heavy tones.

Nevertheless, some will use a pizzicato playing style, especially during staccato sections. Musicians typically use an arco or bow along the strings to play musical pieces. It is also the largest, measuring about 6-feet from the endpin to the scroll. The double bass is a noteworthy stringed instrument because it’s the only bowed instrument with a fourth-based tuning. And, it’s not unusual for an orchestra to have up to 8 cellos! Double Bass In addition, their endpin is similar to the double bass resting on the floor.įun fact: Out of the string instruments list, the cello has the closest human voice-like tone. You can play the cello using a bow, but like the violin and viola, you can pluck or hit the strings to produce a sound. Naturally, its music is written in the bass clef but sometimes has passages from higher. CelloĬellos feature strings tuned in perfect fifths, making them the lowest-toned stringed member in an orchestra. Like a violin, you can play the viola by bower or plucking.įun fact: Viola, cello, double bass and the violin are part of the violin family. As a matter of fact, musicians and scholars consider the viola as the alto voice or the middle ground between a violin and the cello. Instead, it registers a lower and deeper range. Since it is bigger, it doesn’t have the iconic high pitch sound of violins. The viola is the larger counterpart of the violin – 1″ to 4″ larger, to be more precise. Other musicians pluck the strings (pizzicato), while others use the bow’s wooden side to strike the strings (col legno).įun fact: In an orchestra, soprano tones are from the violins. You’ll need to press the strings as you move the bow to create varying sounds.ĭrawing the bow over the strings is not the only way you can create a sound. Using your right or left hand, you’ll glide the bow across the strings while your other hand holds the neck. When playing the violin, you’ll need to use your chin to hold it in position. Of course, it is also famous for how it is played. This string instrument, also referred to as a fiddle, is known for its hollow wooden body and high-pitched sound. However, the exact creator is still unknown.

Most scholars credit lute builder Andrea Amati of Cremona as the inventor.

This string instrument’s history dates back to 16th-century Italy. Violinįirst on our string instruments list is the violin. In this group, you’ll also find the ukulele, lyre, mandolin, lute, and oud.

Some instruments in the string family include guitars, violins, and cellos. What Instruments Are in the String Family? Its material is predominantly wood because of tonal qualities and tradition (early musicians use wood because it’s more readily available than plastic or metal.Ī musician can play a string instrument using his fingers, a plectrum, or a box to vibrate the strings.įun fact: The strings are usually nylon or steel, but some are made from gut. The body of the instrument is typically hollow so that it can amplify the sound of the strings. What Is a String Instrument?Ī string instrument is a type of instrument that feature soundboxes, resonators, and strings. Here is the string instruments list you should know about. String instruments are so versatile you can hear them in every musical era and genre of music – even classical music! And today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most common ones.

String instruments list with pictures and names