B.Mus (Hons), L.G.S.M., Q.T.S.
Trombonist, conductor, teacher and arranger.
Site updated 20/4/2025
The members of the string family all produce sound by making a string vibrate, either by plucking it or by using a bow (that pulls across the string).
The four main members of the string family are the violin, the viola, the cello and the double bass.
Watch this video to see how the violin (and all the other string instruments) work.
String Family
As I'm sure you can tell, I'm not a violin player!!!
So rather than me demonstrating what this instrument sounds like, have a listen to this video of a proper violinist!
An orchestra will have several (often 12) violinists playing the Violin 1 part and several more (often 10) playing the Violin 2 part.
Music written for the violin is in the treble clef.
Look at the picture below to see the different parts of the violin.
The viola is just a big violin.
It's played in the same way as the violin but the string are tuned 5 notes lower.
Music written for the viola is in the alto clef.
The cello is the next biggest member of the string family. This instruments is too large to hold under your chin so it rests on a spike that touches the floor.
Unlike playing the violin or viola, the cellist has to sit down when playing. (Violin and viola players will sit down when playing in an orchestra but usually stand if they are a soloist.)
The strings are tuned one octave lower than the viola.
Music written for the cello is usually in the bass clef but can also be in the tenor clef.
This video clip comes from a movie.
The Double Bass (or Contrabass or String Bass) is the largest member of the string family. It is so big that you can no longer sit on a chair when playing it.
Often you will see them sitting on a high stool or they will just simply stand up when playing.
You need a big car if you play this instrument!
Music written for the double bass is in bass clef but sounds an octave lower than written.