VIOLIN FAMILY 1 :: StringQuest

The Violin is the smallest member of the violin family and produces the highest pitches.

The Viola is larger and plays deeper notes than the violin.

The Cello is larger yet, and plays even lower sounds.

The Bass is the largest and plays the lowest notes.

All of the instruments in the Violin Family have ranges that overlap and blend together beautifully!

The diagram shows the comparative ranges of the instruments in the Violin Family. We will go into a lot more detail and learn how the strings work to create different ranges of sounds. For now, it is great to know that the larger the instrument, the longer the strings and the lower their pitch.

Basses can play notes that are low enough that they can resemble deep thunder. The demands of modern music have challenged skilled bass players play to become masterful playing in higher registers as well. Cellos play low notes, middle range notes and can play notes that reach the ranges of the violin and viola.

The Violin has the shortest and thinnest strings that are able to produce the highest sounds that can resemble a bird’s piercing whistle. The Viola can also reach some very high notes, but it is best known for its pleasing, mid-range, voice that is much like a tenor’s singing voice.

It makes good sense to call these instruments members of a family. The voices of the instruments are much like the family of voices of men and women. Choirs have soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices that blend together and can sing notes in various ranges. All of the instruments in the Violin Family form their own choir of sound that blend and overlap.

Peg has more to teach you about the pegs and Scroll is nearby to assist. Enjoy!