String Instruments Explained: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Tap an instrument to see its traits.

Violin

The highest-pitched of the string instruments, played by drawing a bow across the strings — a core instrument in any orchestra.

Viola

Slightly larger and lower-pitched than the violin, filling in the middle harmonies within an orchestra.

Cello

A large string instrument played upright on the floor, known for its warm, deep low register.

Double Bass (Contrabass)

The largest and lowest-pitched of the string instruments, providing a solid low-end foundation for the orchestra.

Harp

An instrument played by plucking multiple strings directly with the fingers, known for its elegant, ethereal tone.

Guitar

A popular instrument played by strumming or plucking the strings, available in various forms including acoustic and electric.

The Bigger the Instrument, the Lower the Pitch

The violin, viola, cello, and double bass look similar, but as the instrument gets bigger, the strings get longer, producing a lower pitch. In an orchestra, these four instruments each cover a different register, weaving together into a unified harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell a violin and a viola apart?

The viola is slightly larger and lower-pitched than the violin, and it also uses alto clef when reading sheet music, unlike the violin.

How is the double bass played?

It can be played either standing or seated on a tall stool, using either a bow or plucking with the fingers — the technique differs between classical and jazz playing.