Understanding the Basics of the String Family
Perhaps your child has started showing an interest in playing a string instrument.
Maybe their school has sent home information highlighting the different string instruments they can study, but you’re not sure what each instrument is about or which one might be the best fit for your child.
Or perhaps your child isn’t sure which instrument they’d like to play. They may be curious about several options and just can't decide!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the different string instruments in the orchestra, their unique roles, and how each one contributes to the overall sound of the orchestra. My hope is that by the end, you’ll feel more confident in helping your child make an informed decision about which instrument they might enjoy playing.
The String Family
The string family is made up of the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
These instruments are all made of wood and are hollow inside, which helps their sound resonate. The violin is the highest pitched in the string family, followed by the viola, then the cello, and finally, the double bass, which is the lowest pitched.
Most often, string instruments are played with a bow. The bow is typically made of wood and strung with horsehair from one end of the stick to the other. When the musician draws the bow across the strings, it causes the strings to vibrate, producing sound.
The left hand is used to change pitches by pressing down on the strings at specific points along the instrument’s neck.
Roles in the Orchestra
Each instrument in the string family plays a special role in the orchestra, contributing to its rich, layered sound.
- Violin: The violin is the smallest and highest-pitched instrument in the string family. It’s often the lead instrument in the orchestra, playing the melody with a bright, expressive sound. The violin is also commonly featured as a solo instrument in many types of music, from classical to contemporary.
- Viola: The viola is slightly larger than the violin and has a deeper, warmer tone. It plays an important role in providing interesting harmonies and depth to the music, connecting the violin section with the cello section.
- Cello: Played while sitting down, the cello has a rich, full sound that can be both lyrical and powerful. It can carry melodies and also provide deep bass lines. The cello has a unique ability to express a wide range of sounds and textures, from soft and delicate to lyrical and dark.
- Double Bass: The largest of the string instruments, the double bass provides the foundation of the orchestra. It plays an essential role in providing rhythm and harmony. The double bass is a versatile instrument and is played in a wide range of musical styles from classical to jazz to rock and bluegrass.
Conclusion
The string family offers a variety of sounds, each one contributing something special to the overall music and sound of the orchestra.
So, how do you pick an instrument that is right for your child? Consider what kind of sound might interest your child. Do they enjoy bright, energetic melodies or warm, deep bass tones? You can help by playing examples of each instrument for them or even taking them to a live performance, where they can hear and feel the unique sounds of each instrument in action.
Whichever instrument they choose, they’ll be starting on a rewarding musical journey.