Violin- the smallest but with the highest pitch in this group.

It
has four strings and is played by moving the bow across the
strings or they may be plucked by the fingers. It is known as
the heart of the orchestra.

Viola- a little bigger than a violin. It is tuned a fifth lower than

that of a violin. Its tone is darker, heavier, and warmer. It is
considered the tenor of a string family.

Cello- also known as the violoncello, is bigger than the viola

and its strings are perfectly tuned in fifths. It is played by
bowing or by plucking its strings. It is held in between the
knees while seated. It has proportionally deeper ribs and a
shorter neck than that of a violin. It is the bass musical
instrument in the violin family.

Double Bass- also called contrabass, it is the biggest and

the lowest pitch in the group. Because of its large body, the
player needs to stand while bowing or plucking its strings. Its
four strings occasionally added with one string, can be
played using a short and narrow French bow or pizzicato (by
plucking with the fingers).