String instruments have been around long before the record was invented, but they’re still very much relevant today. If you think about it, not many people know anything about these musical wonders that have mastered their favorite songs for decades. So here’s a quick guide to introduce you to the magic of string instruments.
Ukulele
Ukulele is easy to play, easy on the ear, and easy on the eye. It has more than 4 strings, but it’s easy to learn how to play it because of its small size. It has a pleasant sound that everyone likes and it’s easy to carry around with you if you’re planning on performing some songs at your party or show. If you play the Ukulele, it will attract a lot of attention from your potential fans and they’ll love your performance even more.
It has been made easy on purpose by those who wanted anyone to be able to play this stringed instrument. This means that if someone decides to take up this hobby, there are easy beginner Ukulele songs that can be learned in no time. These songs are very easy to get at first, so you get used to playing this instrument before moving on to harder stuff. It’s not hard to learn Ukulele, even if you’ve never played any other instrument before. All you need is a bit of patience; it won’t take much time for you to start playing well, so don’t rush it.
Bass
The bass has 4 strings and is easy to play, so it is easy to recommend it. It provides a good sound and its easy timbre makes learning how to play it easy as well. Everyone can learn how to play the bass and it’s great for any party and concert you might have in mind. The electric bass is easier in some ways, but it’s difficult to carry around. The acoustic one is more work for your hands when you play it for long hours, but the sound is much better. It all depends on your personal preferences.
Most of the time beginners start out with an acoustic bass because they are less expensive and they are easier on the hands. If you are still keen on playing electric bass, there is an option of buying a really cheap one first to see how it goes for you.
Viola
The Viola is a bowed string instrument with four strings. It belongs to the violin family, alongside instruments such as violins and cellos, etc. Its body is approximately 33-35 inches long and has four strings where its highest string can be tuned to C5 (the note right above C4). It is played with a bow, producing sounds by pulling the strings to different tension levels. The Viola has that name because it comes after the ‘Viola da Gamba’ (meaning viola of the leg) which has similarities in structure but was held on the lap and plucked with one hand while held by the other hand.
The Viola is that instrument you hear in movie soundtracks and orchestra concerts, but also as a solo instrument. It has a mellow tone and sounds better when played as part of an ensemble rather than alone.
Violin
Violin is a stringed instrument. Its strings are usually made from gut, which is often treated with rosin in order to increase the grip on the fingers of the musician’s bow hand. The violin or “viola” family consists of bowed and string instruments that vary in size and are used in orchestras around the world. The violin is played with a bow, which causes the strings to vibrate. It is also used as an accompaniment instrument in small ensembles and string sections. The first documented ancestor of the violin is the Arabic instrument called rabab, which was similar to a viol with an arched body and short neck. It was made out of wood and had strings stretched over movable bridges on its body. However, modern-day violins are still modeled after their early predecessor.
Cello
The cello or violoncello has four strings. Its name is derived from the Italian word “violone”, which describes a bowed stringed instrument even larger than today’s cellos. The cello was originally called viola da braccio, meaning “the arm viol” because its strings are over-the-shoulder, in the same position players would use their arms when playing a viola da braccio.
Cello sounds are produced by drawing metal or composite strings with a bow across a fixed bridge positioned between two hollow “f-holes” on its outer body. The cello can be plucked using fingers or nails if one is playing pizzicato style. The cello can also be struck by the hand or fingers if one is playing arco style.
String instruments are easy on the ear and easy to play. They also provide good sounds that anyone likes listening to, no matter the age group or whether they’re experts or not. So if you’re trying to learn how to play music, don’t miss out on these easy string instruments. You’ll be glad you did.
