The orchestral string family includes the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. These instruments form the foundation of most musical pieces within Western classical music. Continue reading Orchestral Strings: An Introductory Guide to learn more about string instruments.
The sound from a string instrument is generated by a tightly stretched string. The string vibrates when plucked, or strummed, or played by a bow. The vibrations resonate within the instrument causing soundwaves to travel outward and to your ears.
Violin
The violin is the highest pitched of orchestral string family. There are typically 15-30 violins in an orchestra, which is more than any other instrument. While the violin is a very expressive instrument, it isn’t very loud. This number of violins helps to provide the volume.
Typically, the violins are divided into first and second violin. First violin will play the melody. Second violin will play harmony. Many compositions also feature violin solos as well including works like Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 by Jean Sibelius.
Fiddle vs Violin
The violin and fiddle are the same instrument. When played in genres like folk, country, and bluegrass, the violin is commonly referred to as a fiddle. However, the instrument may be played differently in these genres. For example, the player will more frequently play chords on the instrument rather than single strings. Also, the instrument will more often be played in a percussive manner by striking the strings with the bow, otherwise known as chopping.
Note that there are certain adjustments that can be made to the violin that some players consider more optimal for these genres. For example, a flatter bridge may be used to enable the bow to reach multiple strings simultaneously. Also, steel strings can be used on all four strings to generate a brighter sound.
Music Featuring the Violin
Compositions featuring the violin include The Devil Went Down to Georgia written and played by Charlie Daniels, and Ants Marching played by Boyd Tinley and The Dave Matthews Band. The movie, The Village, includes Gravel Road and other pieces featuring Hilary Hahn as violin soloist.
Viola
The viola is played in a similar manner to the violin. However, the viola is larger and fills distinct musical role. Whereas the violin will play the highest notes, typically the melody, the viola will play the middle notes. This important role provides a complete chord that enable the melody to carry more musical meaning.
The pitch range of the viola is between the violin and cello. The viola generates a sound that is softer and deeper than the violin. Therefore, compositions typically ask the viola to play the inner voice of the chord, with the violin play the upper melody.
The viola is considered more difficult than the violin, in part because it is longer and heavier. More finger strength and wrist strength are required. more wrist strength. Playing in tune is also more difficult with the viola because it is more difficult to play in tune than the violin. The strings of the viola are typically of a thicker gauge.
Unlike other modern day instruments, music for the viola is written in alto clef.
Cello
The cello is similar in material and construction to the violin and viola. However, it is larger and plays at the lower end of the harmony. The instrument is typically play seated with the weight supported by the instrument’s end pin resting on the ground.
Notable musical pieces featuring the cello include the Game of Thrones Theme song by Ramin Djawadi.
Double Bass
The double bass, also known as the standup bass, or simply, bass, is the largest and lowest pitch instrument in the string family. This instrument is key component of the symphony orchestra. In a jazz ensemble, the double bass is plucked rather than bowed and is a common alternative to the electric bass.
The name double bass originates from its original function of doubling the bass line of the composition, specifically playing the same note as the cello, but one octave lower. When used in jazz, blues, and other genres, the instrument will commonly go by other names including standup bass, upright bass, and bass fiddle.
Although similar in construction to the violin and cello, the tuning used on a double bass is more like a guitar. Tuning is E, A, D, G, like an electric bass guitar or the lower four strings on an acoustic guitar. The double bass tuning mechanism is also more similar to a guitar in that a metal worm gear is used instead of a wooden peg, making tuning easier.
Well known music featuring the double bass includes Come Away with Me by Norah Jones, the Theme from Jaws by John Williams, and Every Breath You Take by The Police.
Other String Instruments
In addition to the instrument discussed in the Orchestral Strings: An Introductory Guide, the string instrument family includes the guitar, mandolin, ukelele, and banjo.
Materials and Construction
Orchestral string instruments share a similar design. The material is wood, typically spruce for the top, maple for the neck, bottom, and ribs (sides), and ebony for the fingerboard. The hollow body of the instrument allows the sound to reverberate inside the instrument. The distinctive openings on the front surface allow the sound to escape.
Present day strings are made from steel or nylon. The strings attach to wooden tuning pegs at the end of the neck. The tuning pegs are held in place by friction. Note that the double bass uses metal worm gears, like a guitar, instead of wooden tuning pegs.
At the other end, the strings connect to a tailpiece that hooks into a pin on the body. Fine tuners are commonly installed into the tailpiece on one or more strings.
A bridge is mounted to the body and supports the strings. The bridge transmits the string vibration into the instrument top.
For the violin and viola, a chin rest and shoulder pad may be mounted to the top and bottom rim. For the cello and double bass, the end pin extends from the end of the instrument. The end pin allows the player to stand the instrument on the ground and elevate it to more comfortable playing height. Rubber tipped end pins are helpful for reducing damage to flooring.
Orchestral String Tuning
Compared with the modern-day guitar, tuning on an orchestral string can be more difficult to master. The violin, viola, and cello use wooden pegs whereas the double bass uses metal gearing, similar to the tuning mechanism on an acoustic guitar.
Guide to Selecting a Bow.
Bow selection can have a significant impact to sound quality and playability of a string instrument. String weight and stiffness varies across the instrument types. Instrument specific bows should be used. For example, use a cello bow when playing cello. Differences in bow design for the different instruments includes the width of the hair and the length of the bow.
Additional considerations when selecting a bow include bow weight, sound projection, balance, and bounce. Cost can vary significantly depending on the bow and correlates with material selection and build quality.
Orchestral String Accessories
Additional accessories, beyond the mouthpiece, help playing and maintaining a string instrument. String instruments include accessories. Alternatively, purchase them separately, as needed:
- Shoulder pad (violin, viola)
- Chin rest (violin, viola)
- Rosin
- hard or softshell case
- peg compound
Good Luck on Your Musical Journey!
Selecting and maintaining a string instrument is a small but critical part of the process of developing as a musician. Thank you for reading the Orchestral Strings: An Introductory Guide. Be sure to visit inquisitivemaestro to learn more.