strings

The strings section is the largest and most versatile family in the orchestra, comprising violin, viola, cello, and double bass.‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌ These bowed string instruments form the harmonic and melodic backbone of orchestral music, capable of extraordinary dynamic range from pianissimo to fortissimo. String players use a variety of bowing techniques — legato, spiccato, col legno, tremolo, and sul ponticello — as well as pizzicato (plucking). The harp, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele are plucked string instruments. The piano, though it contains strings struck by hammers, is usually classified separately as a keyboard instrument. String quartets and string orchestras are dedicated chamber music and ensemble formats. The rich, singing tone of the strings has made them central to Western classical music for over four centuries.