The String Family
The string family all have the same shape! They all have strings! we play them with a bow and the string vibrates. There are four main string instruments in the orchestra. Look below at the strings.
 The
violin
The violin is the smallest string. There is a place to put your chin so that the instrument can go under your chin. |
 The
Viola
The viola looks a lot like the violin. It goes under your chin to play so it has a chin rest. The viola is a few inches longer and wider than the violin making it lower in sound. |
 The
Cello
The cello is to big to go under your chin. you have to sit in a chair and rest it over your shoulder. The cello sounds mellow. |
The Double Bass The double bass ,or sometimes it is called just the bass, is the largest string. Shown here next to a violin you can see how big it is. You have to stand up to play the double bass. |