The String Family
The String Family: Strings are Everywhere!
The string family makes up over half the orchestra. Although many of the string instruments
look similar, they are very different in size and sound. As you can probably guess from the
name, all of the instruments in this family have strings, which are made of gut, steel, or nylon.
You play string instruments by drawing a horsehair bow across the strings, or by plucking or
tapping the strings.
All of the string instruments, except for the harp, have curvy hollow bodies and long necks. The
strings are stretched from pegs at the top of the neck, over the body, and down to the tailpiece.
Violin: This is the little one. The violin is the smallest and highest pitched member of the string
family.
The sound of the violin is high, bright, and sweet.
There are more violins in the orchestra than any other instrument. There can be as many as 30
or more violins in an orchestra!
In an orchestra, violins get divided into two groups: first and second. First violins often play the
melody.
A standard violin is around 24 inches long.
A violin bow is around 29 inches long.
You play the violin by tucking it between your chin and shoulder. Your left hand presses down
on the strings to change the pitch, and your right hand moves the bow or plucks the strings.
Viola: This may look like a violin, but don’t be fooled, it’s a viola. It’s a bit larger in size and
lower in pitch than a violin.
The sound of the viola is deeper and warmer than a violin.
There are 10-14 violas in an orchestra.
