When you observe a string instrument, you will probably notice that it is primarily constructed from wood. However, despite its wooden body, it is named a string instrument for a reason.
The hollow space inside the instrument's body allows sound to vibrate within it, and it is constructed using a variety of woods. However, the strings of the instrument are responsible for producing the sound, and they are typically made from nylon, steel, or occasionally gut.
'But why are we discussing about string musical instruments?' you may ask. The answer is simple. The string family is the largest group of instruments in the orchestra, and they are renowned for their versatility and beauty.
These instruments have been attracting a wide number of musicians in Australia for centuries. But what exactly comprises the string family?
In this insightful post, we will start on a musical journey to explore these fascinating string family instruments.
String family instruments are a large group of musical instruments that create sound by producing vibrations in strings. These strings are typically made of metal or nylon and are stretched across a hollow chamber that amplifies the sound.
Musicians can play these instruments by plucking the strings with their fingers or a pick or by using a bow to move back and forth across the strings. The length, tension, and thickness of the string determine the pitch of the sound.
A variety of string musical instruments can be found at InstruShare, the best platform for music instrument rental and hire in Australia, ranging from the violins and cellos used in orchestras to folk instruments like the banjo and ukulele. Another unique type of string instrument is the harp, which has strings stretched vertically across a frame.
Apart from string instruments woodwind family instruments are also popular among Australian music community.
Checkout this exciting post on the types of woodwind family instruments, to choose the right music instrument for you.
The vibration of strings is essential to create sound. When you pluck a string using your finger or pull a bow across it, the string starts vibrating. The bow consists of wood and has horsehair stretched tightly from one end of the stick to the other.
The horsehair is obtained from the horse's tail and doesn't harm the animal in any way; it's like getting a haircut. By sliding the bow back and forth over the string, the horsehair contacts the string and produces sound.
You can change the pitch and create different notes by playing a different string or by pressing your finger on a string to shorten it. The shorter the string, the higher the pitch.
String family instruments come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and playing techniques, each producing a unique sound.
Given below are some different types of string music instruments:
The violin is a string family instrument that produces the highest sound among all the other string instruments. In an orchestra, there can be up to 30 violins divided into two groups: first and second.
The first violins often play the melody, while the second violins alternate between melody and harmony. A typical-sized violin is around 24 inches (two feet) long, with a slightly longer bow.
To play the violin, you rest it between your chin and left shoulder. Your left-hand holds the neck of the violin and presses down on the strings to change the pitch, while your right-hand moves the bow or plucks the strings.
The cello is the largest of the three-string instruments, around 4 feet long, and has thicker strings than either the violin or viola.
It produces a wide variety of tones, from warm low pitches to bright higher notes, making it sound most like a human voice. The cello's body rests on the ground and is supported by a metal peg.
To play the cello, you use your left hand to press down on the strings and your right hand to move the bow or pluck the strings.
The viola is similar to the violin but slightly larger, just over two feet long, and has thicker strings that produce a more prosperous, warmer sound. In an orchestra, there are usually 10 to 14 violas, and they almost always play the harmony.
To play the viola, you hold it the same way as the violin, resting it between your chin and shoulder. Your left-hand holds the neck of the viola and presses down on the strings to change the pitch, while your right-hand moves the bow or plucks the strings.
The double bass is the largest member of the string family and is also known as the grandfather of the string family instruments. It is over 6 feet long and has the longest strings, which allow it to produce very low notes.
You need to stand up or sit on a tall stool to play it. It is ideal for people with long arms and big hands. You hold it like a cello, with the double bass body standing on the ground and supported by a metal peg, while the neck rests on your left shoulder.
Just like a cello, you produce sound using your left hand to change pitch and your right hand to move the bow or pluck the strings.
The harp is a unique stringed instrument. It is approximately six feet tall and shaped like the number 7. It has 47 strings of different lengths, which are tuned to the notes of the white keys of the piano.
To play it, you sit down with your legs on either side and the neck of the harp leaning on your right shoulder. Each string produces a different note, and you play them by plucking the strings with your fingertips and thumb.
The harp has seven-foot pedals attached to the bottom, which change the pitch of each string and allow them to produce the pitches of the black keys on the piano.
Did you know that there are five main families of musical instruments? Yes, it's true, and string musical instrument is just one of the categories among them. Excited to know about other family of musical instruments?
Read this detailed post on 5 different types of musical instruments.
There are many benefits to be gained from playing a string instrument, both for children and adults.
Here are some of the key advantages:
Playing a string instrument can have several benefits. Studies show that music education can improve cognitive function by strengthening brain connectivity, memory, focus, and even language skills.
It requires coordinating multiple skills, such as reading music, fingering techniques, and bow control, which can be an excellent mental workout.
Mastering a string music instrument requires dedication and practice, which can help develop discipline and time management skills.
Setting aside regular time to practice can help you stick to a routine, improve the organisation of activities and focus on other areas of your life.
Listening to music can also be a very effective tool for coping with stress and anxiety. Playing music requires focus and coordination which can be meditative, promoting relaxation and emotional release.
Additionally, the sense of accomplishment from learning a new musical instrument can be incredibly rewarding.
Musical instrument rental from InstruShare allows you to tap into your creativity and develop your artistic voice.
As you progress, you will gain the ability to interpret and perform a wide range of music, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions.
Learning a musical instrument is a difficult undertaking that takes years of practice to perfect. However, some people have a unique talent that enables them to defy all expectations.
Click here to know about teen musician who learned to play 117 instruments.
The string family instruments illustrates the never-ending potential and beauty of music. Whether you are an experienced musician or a curious enthusiast, playing string musical instruments offers a rich tapestry of sounds, genres, and traditions to learn about.
From the delicate intricacies of a solo violin to the thunderous sound of a string orchestra, the string family invites us to listen, learn, and appreciate the boundless possibilities of musical expression.
Renting musical instruments from InstruShare is a great option for both beginners and advanced players as InstruShare is the most popular string instrument online store in Australia.
Our flexible rental plans, affordable rates, and high-quality instruments make exploring the world of music easy without a significant financial investment. Our online platform is convenient to use which provides a smooth and easy renting experience.
By choosing InstruShare, musicians can rent high-quality musical instruments in Australia, having access to a diverse range of string instruments, which will help them develop their skills, foster creativity, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
Don't just dream it; play it! Rent string musical instruments from InstruShare now!
