Music Glossary: strings

Indication that two players share a single written line in unison. more

Six‑string plucked chordophone; steel/nylon variants; strumming and fingerstyle textures. more

Acoustic string-band music with virtuosic picking and close harmonies. more

Tenor/bass string instrument tuned C–G–D–A; lyrical low-mid register and powerful bass. more

Strings/section divide a part across players (div.); opposite of a2/unis. more

Lowest orchestral string; sounds an octave below written; tuned in fourths (E–A–D–G). more

Plucked vs bowed string indications; pizz. short decay, arco sustained tone. more

Chamber genre for two violins, viola, and cello; often in four movements. more

String bowing near bridge (bright, glassy) or fingerboard (soft, fluty) for color contrast. more

Alto string instrument tuned a fifth below violin (C–G–D–A); warm, reedy timbre. more

Soprano member of the string family; tuned in fifths (G–D–A–E); agile, singing tone. more