The String Family

1
The String Family

• The largest family of the orchestra.
• There can be as many as 60 string instruments.
• Consists of five different instruments.
• Four out of five instruments use a bow.
• They are positioned in a semi-circle directly in
  front of the conductor.

2
The Violin

• The smallest string instrument.
• The highest string instrument.
• Held under the chin.
• Four strings stretched across a bridge and tuned
  to G D A E.
• Uses a bow, but can play pizzicato.
• Divided into two groups
  1st violins and 2nd violins.

3
The Viola

• A little larger than the violin.
• A little deeper than the violin.
• Held under the chin.
• Four strings stretched across a bridge and tuned
  to C G D A.
• Uses a bow, but can play pizzicato.
• Positioned directly in front of the conductor in
  the semi-circle.

4
The Cello

• Larger than the violin and the viola.
• Deeper than the violin and the viola.
• Played sitting down and held between the knees.
• Four strings stretched across a bridge and tuned
  to C G D A.
• Uses a bow, but can play pizzicato.
• Positioned on the right of the conductor in the
  semi-circle.

5
The Double Bass

• The largest string instrument in the orchestra.
• The deepest string instrument in the orchestra.
• Four strings stretched over a bridge.
• Strings tuned to E A D G.
• Uses a bow, but can play pizzicato.
• Positioned behind the cellos in the semi-circle.

6
The Harp

• Forty-seven strings and seven pedals.
• Never uses a bow. Strings always plucked.
• Normally only one or two used in an orchestra.
• Positioned behind the 2nd violins in the
  semi-circle.