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[[Image:Violinrange.PNG|thumb|right|Violin standard tuning]]

[[Image:Violinrange.PNG|thumb|right|Violin standard tuning]]

The '''violin''' is the smallest and highest pitched [[String Instruments|stringed instrument]] used in [[western orchestra|western orchestras]]. It has four strings, pitched G-D-A-E (from lowest to highest), which is an arrangement of the Circle of Fifths. The 'A' is pitched to Concert A at 440 Hz. Typically, a bow (''arco'') is drawn across the strings to produce a sound on the instrument, and a wide variety of bowing techniques can provide unique sounds, such as the bouncing ''spiccato'' or the broad ''legato''. The strings may also be plucked, similar to a [[mandolin]] or [[guitar]] (''pizzicato''), but only by the flesh of the finger (not with the aid of a plectrum).

The '''violin''' is the smallest and highest pitched [[String Instruments|stringed instrument]] used in [[western orchestra]]s. It has four strings, pitched G-D-A-E (from lowest to highest), which is an arrangement of the Circle of Fifths. The 'A' is pitched to Concert A at 440 Hz. Typically, a bow (''arco'') is drawn across the strings to produce a sound on the instrument, and a wide variety of bowing techniques can provide unique sounds, such as the bouncing ''spiccato'' or the broad ''legato''. The strings may also be plucked, similar to a [[mandolin]] or [[guitar]] (''pizzicato''), but only by the flesh of the finger (not with the aid of a plectrum).

An orchestra will typically contain two violin sections - a First and Second. Today the First Violins are usually situated at the front of the orchestra, immediately to the [[conductor]]'s left. The Second Violin section will be located adjacent to the Firsts. While there is no specific purpose for each section, the First Violin section will generally be given the [[melody]] in a musical work, and will generally play in a higher [[octave]] than the Seconds. The Seconds will either double the melody in a lower register, [[harmony|harmonize]] the melody, or contribute an effect to layer the orchestral sound.  

An orchestra will typically contain two violin sections - a First and Second. Today the First Violins are usually situated at the front of the orchestra, immediately to the [[conductor]]'s left. The Second Violin section will be located adjacent to the Firsts. While there is no specific purpose for each section, the First Violin section will generally be given the [[melody]] in a musical work, and will generally play in a higher [[octave]] than the Seconds. The Seconds will either double the melody in a lower register, [[harmony|harmonize]] the melody, or contribute an effect to layer the orchestral sound.