Even if you've never stepped into a concert hall in your life, chances are you can probably recognise the sound of a violin. It's iconic and often stands out during a performance with its ability to pull listeners in. However, what most people don't know is that the violin actually belongs to a family of four related instruments - these include the viola, the cello, and the double bass.
While they all feature similar looks, each member has its own distinct musical personality and sound. In the following article, we'll examine the unique differences between each and the role they take when performing together in an orchestra. Keep reading to find out more.
| Instrument | Approximate Size (body length) | Pitch / Range (written) | Typical Role in Music / Ensemble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | ~35 cm (14 in) | Highest range of the family | Carries melodic lines, often the main voice in orchestras and ensembles. |
| Viola | ~38–43 cm (15–17 in) | Lower than violin, deeper tone | Adds warmth and harmonic depth, bridges violin and cello. |
| Cello | ~75 cm (30 in) | Rich low to mid range | Supports harmonies, but often plays lyrical solo passages. |
| Double Bass | ~100–120 cm (40–47 in) | Lowest range of the family | Provides rhythmic foundation, shapes the pulse in orchestral and jazz settings. |
Violin: The Most Recognised String Instrument
The violin, also known as a fiddle, is a stringed instrument made from a hollow wooden body. It is among the smallest of the violin family and also the highest in pitch, which makes it quite a common instrument in the music business.
Violins are tuned in perfect fifths: G3, D4, A4, and E5. This tuning gives it its bright and expressive range and allows players to move smoothly through notes.
Crafting a traditional violin can involve more than seventy individual pieces of wood. Each part (from the arch of the top plate to the curve of the ribs) plays a vital role in how the instrument sounds.
Bowing
The player creates sound by moving the bow across the strings. The tone largely depends on how much pressure is applied and speed of the stroke.
Left Hand Technique
The left hand presses the strings against the fingerboard to change pitch. There are no frets or markers, so accuracy comes from muscle memory and careful listening
Pizzicato
Instead of using the bow, the player can also pluck the strings to produce a bright and rhythmic sound. This approach ( known as pizzicato), is common in jazz and film scores
Viola: The Warm Middle Voice of the String Family
At a glance, the viola looks remarkably similar to a violin. However, once played, the difference is stark. The viola famously produces a much deeper and warmer tone than its slightly smaller, more well-known cousin.
Like the violin, the viola is held under the chin, and the bowing technique looks virtually identical too. However, because the instrument is slightly bigger and heavier, it requires more bow control and subtle strength from the player
The viola also has thicker strings that are tuned at C3, G3, D4 and A4 - one fifth lower than the violin.1 Often, composers use the viola to fill in harmonies or introduce emotional tension to passages that might otherwise feel empty. Click here for more information about playing the viola.
Cello: Deep and Expressive
The cello, also known as the violoncello2 in some circles, is one of the most recognisable instruments in the entire string family. Due to its hefty size, the cello is played seated. Typically, the body of the instrument is placed between the knees, while the end pin at the bottom provides extra support by resting against the floor.
The cello features four strings tuned C2, G2, D3, and A3, giving it a broad range that stretches from deep bass notes to warmer, more lyrical upper tones.
In an orchestra, the cello often ends up filling the space between the high, bright sound of the violins and the deeper notes of the double bass. A lot of the music written for the cello involves steady flowing lines that help pieces feel full and connected, but the instrument is capable of more. For example, if a composer wants a smooth melody that isn't too high or heavy, the cello is usually the first choice as its range fits naturally into that middle area where the tune can stand out without sounding sharp.
Famous Cello Works
Would you like to know more about the cello?
Double Bass – The Foundation of the Ensemble
Even bigger than the cello, the double bass is the largest member of the violin family3. In an orchestra, it usually sits at the back of the string section, where it can be seen towering over the other instruments. Most players using it tend to stand or use a tall stool instead of holding it between their legs.
A double bass is usually crafted with four strings pitched E1, A1, D & G, but a fifth string is sometimes added to allow lower notes to be played with more ease. However, rather than having a fifth string, many basses have a mechanical device with levers that helps to increase the length of the fourth string. Take a look at this post on the double bass!
The double bass tends to vary a lot in appearance compared to the other instruments in its family. Some instruments have broader, more rounded shoulders, while others have a sloped upper bout to make higher positions easier to reach. Most full-size basses stand close to 1.8 metres tall, with the body taking up the majority of that height, though slightly smaller versions are also used by younger players and some professionals.
Playing the double bass heavily depends on the style of music. In classical settings, players use the bow to create long and deep notes that support the rest of the orchestra. However, in Jazz and many modern styles, the strings are mostly plucked by hand. That's where the ‘walking bass line’ comes from - a steady pattern that guides the rhythm from underneath the melody.
Comparing the Instruments of the Violin Family
Even though the violin, viola, cello, and double bass belong to the same family, they each bring something widely different to the way music sounds and feels. In this quick comparison section, we'll further highlight what sets them apart and why they work so well together.
How the Different Instruments All Come Together
| Instrument | What They Listen For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Violin | The main melody and subtle timing cues from the leader | Keeps the melody clear and together across the section |
| Viola | Inner movement between violin and cello lines | Helps transitions feel smooth and connected |
| Cello | How the harmony shifts above their part | Supports the shape of the music and guides mood changes |
| Double Bass | The pulse and weight of the ensemble’s rhythm | Provides the steady base the rest of the group relies on |
References
- Viola | Philharmonia. (n.d.). Philharmonia. https://philharmonia.co.uk/resources/instruments/viola/
- Bogossian, R. (2025, February 11). Cello: History, Fun Facts, and Benefits of Learning — Stage Music Center In Acton and Winchester MA. Stage Music Center in Acton and Winchester https://stagemusiccenter.com/music-school-blog-winchester-acton-ma/2019/9/6/cello-history-fun-facts-and-benefits-of-learning
- Double Bass | Philharmonia. (n.d.). Philharmonia. https://philharmonia.co.uk/resources/instruments/double-bass/
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Love string instruments, adore classical (baroque) music and am continuously mesmerised by the mathematical dimensions of music.
Lovely article on the basic structures of the four key string instruments.