Changes

# the plucking of the strings (known as ''[[pizzicato]]'').

# the plucking of the strings (known as ''[[pizzicato]]'').

# the ''ponticello'' [[tremolo]] (bowing the strings nearer to the [[bridge (musical instrument)|bridge]] of the instrument).

# the ''ponticello'' [[tremolo]] (bowing the strings nearer to the [[bridge (musical instrument)|bridge]] of the instrument).

# the user of the mute (''consordino''), a small clamp fitted over the bridge.

# the user of the [[mute]] (''consordino''), a small clamp fitted over the bridge.

# ''col legno'' (strings are struck with the back of the bow).

# ''col legno'' (strings are struck with the back of the bow).

# ''double stopping'' (bowing two strings at a time).

# ''[[double stop]]ping'' (bowing two strings at a time).

# ''harmonics''

# ''[[harmonics]]''

The strings form the backbone of the orchestra - great masterpieces have been written for soloists and for the string quartet (first violin, second violin, viola and violincello). In an orchestral piece, the strings are almost continuously used throughout. In general, the first and second violins play in close harmony, the violas play a similar part in a lower range to strengthen the harmonic texture. The cellos and double basses share a bass part which provides a rhythmic foundation.

The strings form the backbone of the orchestra - great masterpieces have been written for soloists and for the [[string quartet]] (first violin, second violin, viola and violincello). In an orchestral piece, the strings are used almost continuously. In general, the first and second violins play in close harmony, the violas play a similar part in a lower range to strengthen the harmonic texture. The cellos and double basses share a bass part which provides a rhythmic foundation.

==Violin==

==Violin==