String Family (Junior Cert Music): Revision Notes

String Family

• The string family is one of the four main families of the orchestra.
• These instruments produce sound by vibrating strings, either by
  1. bowing (arco) or
  2. plucking (pizzicato).

1. Characteristics of String Instruments

• Played with a bow (arco) or plucked (pizzicato).
• Made of wood, with strings stretched over a hollow body to amplify sound.
• The pitch is changed by pressing the strings against the fingerboard.
• The larger the instrument, the lower the pitch.

2. Instruments of the String Family

Violin

• The smallest and highest-pitched instrument in the string family.
• Played on the left shoulder with a bow or by plucking the strings.
• Often plays the melody in orchestral music.
• Has four strings tuned to G, D, A, and E.
• Common in classical, folk, jazz and pop music.

Viola

• Slightly larger than the violin.
• Has a warmer, deeper sound due to its lower pitch.
• Often plays harmony or inner voices in the orchestra.
• Has four strings tuned to C, G, D, and A.
• Played the same way as the violin but requires larger finger spacing.

Cello (Violoncello)

• Much larger than the violin and viola.
• Played while sitting down, with the instrument resting between the knees.
• Has a rich, deep, and warm sound.
• Often plays bass lines or melodies in orchestral and solo music.
• Has four strings tuned to C, G, D, and A (one octave lower than the viola).

Double Bass

• The largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the string family.
• Played while standing or sitting on a tall stool.
• Produces a deep, resonant sound that supports the harmony.
• Has four strings tuned to E, A, D, and G (one octave lower than the cello).
• Commonly used in classical, jazz, and pop music.

3. Techniques of Playing String Instruments

• Arco – Playing with a bow.
• Pizzicato – Plucking the strings with fingers.
• Vibrato – Slightly shaking the finger on the string to create a richer sound.
• Tremolo – Rapidly moving the bow back and forth for a trembling effect.
• Harmonics – Lightly touching the string to produce a high, glassy tone.
• Col legno – Tapping the string with the wooden part of the bow for a percussive effect.

4. Role of the String Family in the Orchestra

• Strings form the largest section of the orchestra.
• They are divided into five main sections:
  • First Violins – Play the main melody.
  • Second Violins – Support the first violins with harmonies and counter-melodies.
  • Violas – Provide depth and warmth, often playing inner harmonies.
  • Cellos – Play basslines or lyrical melodies, bridging between high and low sounds.
  • Double Basses – Provide a strong foundation with deep, resonant bass

5. Famous String Composers & Pieces

• Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons (violin solo and orchestra)
• Johann Sebastian Bach – Cello Suites (solo cello)
• Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartets (violin, viola, cello)
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake (orchestral strings)
• John Williams – Star Wars Theme (film music featuring string sections)