Strings

• This could be a violin or a cello.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  The violin is the most commonly used member of the string family, using four strings. The strings are tuned a fifth apart at G3, D4, A4 and E5, using the A4-440Hz tuning standard. The range of the violin extends from G, the lowest open string, upward nearly four octaves. The same range of notes, the same tuning interval between strings and the same number of strings apply to the cello. though the cello is tuned lower, and its strings are C2, G2, D3 and A3.
  
  

Sound Production

• The cello is the second-largest member of the violin family of instruments. Though the cellist is seated and supports the instrument between his legs and the violinist holds his instrument beneath his chin, the bow passing over the strings produces vibrations from the strings to the body of each instrument. The sound of both instruments are enhanced by body resonances, including the air resonance of the f-holes, the somewhat ornate openings cut in the instruments' body.
  
  

Construction

• The top plate of a violin and a cello are made of spruce or pine, due to the good sound-radiating qualities of these woods. The sides and back plate are made of maple. The neck, pegbox and scroll are also made of maple. A thin piece of ebony is glued to the top of the neck to form the fingerboard. At the end of the neck where the pegboard is attached, four small pieces of ebony called nuts are attached to enable tuning of the strings. The body of the cello, however, is much longer and deeper than a violin body.
  
  

Playing Technique

• In isolation, a cello can look a lot like a violin.PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  Both violins and cellos are played by drawing a bow across the strings. The violin is held under the chin by virtue of its chin rest, unique to violins and violas. The cello is played in a vertical position with its lower end raised, supported on the floor by an end pin. Tones are generated on both instruments by applying fingers to the fingerboard throughout a range of seven playing positions.
  
  

Music

• Both violins and cellos play music written in the treble clef.Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Both violins and cellos play music written in the treble clef. Violins play exclusively in the treble clef, while cellos' lower range is written in the bass clef. The same notes on a violin staff are read a third lower tonally by the cello player.