String instrument facts for kids
A string instrument is a musical instrument that makes sound when its strings vibrate. These instruments can play many different kinds of notes, from soft and gentle to loud and powerful. There are many types of string instruments, and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Some of the most common string instruments belong to the violin family. These include the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Each one is played a bit differently and makes a unique sound.
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How String Instruments Make Sound
String instruments create music by making their strings vibrate. When a string moves back and forth very quickly, it pushes the air around it, creating sound waves. These sound waves travel to our ears, and we hear the music!
The way you make the strings vibrate depends on the instrument. You might use a bow, pluck the strings with your fingers or a pick, or even hit them with hammers inside the instrument.
The Violin Family
The violin family includes some of the most well-known string instruments. They are often played in orchestras and other musical groups.
The Violin
The violin is the smallest and highest-pitched instrument in its family. It's usually played by drawing a bow across its four strings. The bow is often made of horsehair. When the bow moves across a string, it makes the string vibrate. Players use their fingers on the fingerboard to change the length of the vibrating string, which changes the note. Violins are tuned to the notes G, D, A, and E.
The Viola
The viola looks a lot like a violin but is slightly larger. It also has four strings and is played with a bow. Because it's bigger, the viola has a deeper, warmer sound than the violin. It is tuned to the notes C, G, D, and A.
The Cello
The cello is much larger than the violin or viola. Players usually sit down and hold the cello between their knees, resting it on the floor with a peg. It has a rich, deep sound and plays lower notes. Like the violin and viola, the cello is played with a bow.
The Double Bass
The double bass is the biggest and lowest-pitched instrument in the violin family. It's so tall that players usually stand or sit on a tall stool to play it. The double bass provides the deep, rumbling bass notes in an orchestra or band. It can be played with a bow or by plucking the strings.
Plucked String Instruments
Not all string instruments are played with a bow. Many are played by plucking their strings with fingers or a pick.
The Guitar
The guitar is one of the most popular plucked string instruments. It usually has six strings. Players use one hand to strum or pluck the strings and the other hand to press down on the strings against the fretboard. This changes the notes. Guitars became very famous with rock bands like Led Zeppelin and artists like Eric Clapton.
The Banjo
The banjo is another plucked string instrument, often heard in folk and country music. It has a distinctive sound, often described as bright and twangy. Banjos usually have four or five strings and are played by plucking or strumming.
The Harp
The harp is a large, beautiful instrument with many strings stretched vertically. Players pluck the strings with their fingers to create flowing, angelic sounds. Harps often have pedals that change the pitch of the strings, allowing for a wide range of notes.
Other String Instruments
There are many other fascinating string instruments from around the world. Here are a few more examples:
Related pages
Images for kids
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Numerous stringed instruments of Chinese make on display in a shop.
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Viol, fidel and rebec (from left to right) on display at Amakusa Korejiyokan in Amakusa, Kumamoto, Japan
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The strings of a piano
See also
In Spanish: Instrumento de cuerda para niños
