Question:
Musical instruments (violins and stuff)?
Hi. I was thinking about playing a violin or a viola or a cello or something. I need some help please. Please tell me what the smallest string instrument is. Is it the viola or the violin? What is the smallest string instrument with those horse-hair stick thingies? I don't know which one it is. is it like the viola or the violin. does the violin have different sizes. please let me know which string instrument (no guitars) is the smallest. Thank you. PLease reply as quickly as possible
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
The smallest bowed instrument is the piccolo Vioin, but it is very uncommon. The smallest common bowed instrument, is the Violin. It has four strings, (from the lowest to the highest) G, D, A, and E and it comes in many sizes. The smallest size is 1/16 - generally played by 2 to 3 year olds and players with growth challenges. The next sizes are 1/8 1/4 1/2 3/4 and Full size. There are even oversized Violins, but they are generally custom made.
The next smallest instrument is the Viola. It has four strings but they are tuned one fifth lower than the Violin (A fifth is the same interval as the first Four notes of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" The most common sizes for a Viola are 13" 14" and 15" There are many variations, including custom models made for individuals with special needs. It is tuned C, G, D, A and has a slightly deeper body than the average Violin.
The next instrument is the Cello, which stands upright and comes in 1/2, 3/4 and full sizes. It is also tuned C, G, D, A but it is tuned one octave lower than the Viola. This instrument is harder to carry back and forth, but has a lovely sound and is often very much loved by it's players.
The String Bass, or the Upright Bass, is the largest of the strings, the only one to be tuned in fourths (A Fourth sounds like "Here Comes the Bride") same as an electric Bass. The strings are tuned E, A, D, and G. It also comes in 1/2, 3/4, and full sizes, with an adapter on some of the professional models which allows a player to take the E string down to D, or Even a Low C.
The horse hair stick thingie is a bow, and there are corresponding sizes to accommodate all of these instruments.
I hope this has been of some help to you. Feel free to contct me if you have any more questions. I would be happy to be of assistance.