The Violin

The violin is a popular music instrument with four strings. It is made of wood and has a special shape. Players hold it under their chin and use a bow to make sounds. The violin has a beautiful, singing voice.

How to Play the Violin

To play the violin, you rest it on your shoulder and hold it with your chin. One hand holds the neck and presses the strings. The other hand moves the bow across the strings. Different fingers on the strings make different notes.

A painted angel playing a violin in an old artwork.
A painted angel playing a violin in an old artwork. (Gaudenzio Ferrari / Wikimedia Commons)

The Violin Family

The violin is part of a family of string instruments. Its bigger cousins are the viola, cello, and double bass. The violin is the smallest and has the highest voice. It is used in orchestras, in folk music, and even in rock bands.

Fun Facts

  • The most expensive violin ever sold cost over 15 million dollars.
  • A violin has 70 different parts when it is put together.
  • Violins made by Antonio Stradivari over 300 years ago are still the best in the world.

Did You Know?

When a violin is played in country music or folk music, it is called a fiddle instead.