The document discusses the four main string instruments in an orchestra: violin, viola, cello, and double bass. It explains that string instruments are played with a bow and that the smaller the instrument, the higher the pitch. It then provides details on each instrument, noting their size, tone, how they are played, and well-known players. It concludes by inviting the reader to listen to video clips comparing the sounds of the different string instruments.

1. The String Instruments
Second Year Music Class
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

2. Did you know the
strings are the
biggest section of
the orchestra?!
Yes I did!
There are four
instruments in the
string section. Do
you know what they
are?
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

3. Each Instrument has four strings and is played with
a bow. All string instruments make their sound the
same way. Musicians press down on the strings with
their fingers of the left hand and draw the bow
across the strings with the right hand like shown in
the picture below:
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

4. Oh and one important
thing to remember
before we begin! The
smaller the instrument
the higher the sound.
The bigger the
instrument the lower the
sound!
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

5. The Violin
The Violin is the smallest string instrument.
They are divided into two groups called first violins and
second violins.
It fits under the chin while being played.
Well known player: Cora Venus Lunny
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

6. The Viola
 The viola is a little
larger than the violin.
 It has a warmer and
lower tone.
 It is pitch a 5th lower
than the violin.
 It fits under the chin
when being played.
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

7. The Cello
 The Cello is a large
instrument.
 It has thicker strings than
the violin and viola.
 It is played with a shorter
thicker bow.
 The player sits when
playing the cello and rests
it against their knees.
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

8. Double Bass
The double bass is the
largest of all the string
instruments.
The player usually stands or
sits on a high stool.
The strings of the double
bass are very long and very
thick. They produce a very
deep sound.
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog

9. Listen to these cool video
clips demonstrating the string
instruments! Compare and
Contrast the sound of each
instrument in these videos:
©MsKeleghan’sEducationBlog