The Different Types of String Instruments Commonly Used Today

With the popularity of stringed instruments like guitars and violins, you’ll eventually find yourself curious about different types of string instruments. Here, you will delve into the world of string instruments to discover why these amazing instruments are so loved and appreciated.

Whether you’re completely new to musical instruments or a seasoned veteran looking to dive deeper, there’s always something exciting to learn about the world of music. Instruments are more than just tools for making sound—they’re an extension of culture, emotion, and creativity. From understanding the basics of string tension on a guitar to exploring the complex harmonics of a violin, there’s a vast landscape of knowledge waiting to be discovered.

No matter where you stand on your musical journey, this guide offers something for everyone—whether you’re learning to pluck your first notes or revisiting the instrument family you’ve grown to love. Let’s get started!

1. The Guitar

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 6 (standard)
• Size: Varies (acoustic, electric, bass)
• Country of Origin: Spain
• Type: Contemporary, Mainstream

Of the many types of musical instruments, guitars are the most familiar. And rightly so, given the popularity of this instrument.

The guitar, a central figure in the family of stringed instruments, is perhaps the most widely recognized and played plucked string instrument in the world today. While its history can be traced back to the Spanish vihuela and other earlier instruments, the modern guitar emerged in the late 19th century.

Guitars typically come in several forms, the most common types of guitars are the acoustic guitar and electric guitar.

The acoustic guitar relies on its hollow body for sound amplification, making it a popular choice in genres like folk music, classical music, and country. And while most will be familiar with the dreadnought body, there are different types of acoustic guitars, each one having distinct body shapes, feel, and tone.

The electric guitar uses electronic pickups to capture the vibration of its steel strings, allowing the sound to be amplified and modified. Electric guitars are the backbone of modern rock music, pop, and metal. But they are not limited to just modern styles, some types of electric guitars are perfect for older styles like blues and jazz.

Another notable variation is the bass guitar, typically having 4 strings, though 5- and six-string versions exist. It’s larger than the standard guitar and is used to provide the low-end foundation in most bands. The bass guitar is gaining a lot of popularity thanks to popular bassists. This has led to many students opting to start their musical journey with a bass, instead of a regular guitar. If you’re planning to play bass, make sure you get the best cheap bass guitar.

Given the guitar’s adaptability, it has expanded into various forms of guitar like instruments, such as the 12-string guitar and the classical guitar with nylon strings.

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2. The Violin

• String Family: Bowed string
• Number of Strings: 4
• Size: Ranges from 1/16 for children to full-size
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Type: Traditional, Contemporary, Popular

The violin is a bowed string instrument that forms the highest-pitched member of the string instrument family. With origins dating back to 16th-century Italy, it has become a cornerstone of Western classical music, used in orchestras, chamber music, and as a solo instrument. Its four strings are tuned in perfect fifths, and it is played by drawing a bow across the strings, though pizzicato (plucking) techniques are also common.

Despite its strong association with classical music, the violin is remarkably versatile, finding its place in folk music, jazz, and even some rock music. The first string instrument many learn in formal music education is often the violin, due to its wide range and expressive potential.

Violins come in various sizes to accommodate players of all ages, and while acoustic violins are the standard, electric violins have gained popularity in contemporary genres.

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3. The Cello

• String Family: Bowed string
• Number of Strings: 4
• Size: Larger than the violin and viola, smaller than the double bass
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Type: Traditional, Classical, Contemporary

The cello is a large wooden string instrument known for its deep, resonant sound. Like the violin, it was developed in Italy during the 16th century and is a staple of Western classical music. The cello is typically tuned one octave below the viola, making it capable of both bass and tenor ranges in orchestral and chamber music settings.

Modern cello players, such as Yo-Yo Ma, have expanded the cello’s reach beyond classical music, using it in jazz, pop, and experimental compositions. Despite its size, the cello is portable enough to be a popular choice in many music ensembles, while its warm tone continues to captivate audiences.

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4. The Double Bass

• String Family: Bowed string
• Number of Strings: 4 (sometimes 5)
• Size: Largest in the violin family
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Type: Traditional, Classical, Jazz, Contemporary

The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the string family and is often referred to as a large wooden string instrument due to its size and construction. The double bass is indispensable in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and various other music genres that require deep bass tones. Typically tuned in perfect fourths, the double bass’s large body produces a low, rumbling sound that forms the foundation of harmonic progressions.

Players often use a mix of bowing and plucking techniques depending on the musical genre. The instrument has transitioned from its classical music origins into jazz, where plucking is the dominant technique. The double bass is key to defining the rhythm and harmony in jazz and remains just as crucial in symphonic music.

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5. The Harp

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: Typically 47
• Size: Large, concert size
• Country of Origin: Ancient origins, modern harp from Europe
• Type: Traditional, Classical

The harp, one of the oldest types of stringed musical instruments, produces sound by plucking its numerous strings. The modern concert harp typically has 47 strings, arranged vertically on a large triangular frame. Although its origins date back to ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures, the harp we know today was developed in Europe during the 19th century.

While harps are most often associated with classical music, they can also be found in traditional Celtic music and some modern genres. Its delicate, ethereal tones are well-suited to both solo performances and orchestral pieces.

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6. The Banjo

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 4, 5, or 6
• Size: Small to medium, with a drum-like resonator
• Country of Origin: United States (African roots)
• Type: Folk, Traditional, Contemporary

The banjo, a plucked string instrument with roots in African musical traditions, is most closely associated with American folk music, bluegrass, and country. It is characterized by its circular body, which includes a drum-like resonator. The two-string instrument that evolved into the banjo likely originated in West Africa, before being modified and popularized in the United States.

Modern banjos typically have 4 or 5 strings, though some versions include 6 strings for playing techniques more similar to the guitar. Its bright, twangy sound is distinctive and instantly recognizable, making it a staple in folk music ensembles and bluegrass bands.

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7. The Mandolin

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 8 (4 pairs of doubled strings)
• Size: Small
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Type: Folk, Traditional, Contemporary

The mandolin, a member of the family of stringed instruments, is a small, pear-shaped instrument with eight strings. Each string is paired, giving the mandolin a fuller, more resonant sound compared to other kinds of string instruments. It has deep roots in Italian folk music, but it also has a place in modern genres like bluegrass and country.

The mandolin’s size and bright, crisp sound make it an excellent addition to any ensemble, and it often plays the role of providing fast-paced melodies or rhythmic strumming in folk music settings.

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8. The Ukulele

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 4
• Size: Small
• Country of Origin: Hawaii (Portuguese influence)
• Type: Folk, Contemporary, Popular

The ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument that originates from Hawaii, though it traces its lineage to Portuguese immigrants and their string instruments. This plucked string instrument has seen an explosion in popularity worldwide, especially in pop and folk music. Its cheerful sound and approachable design make it a favorite for beginners and seasoned string players alike.

There are several different types of ukuleles that come in different ukulele sizes. These include soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, each with its unique tonal characteristics. Despite its simplicity, the ukulele has a rich sound that can fill any space with warmth and joy.

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9. The Sitar

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 18 to 21
• Size: Large
• Country of Origin: India
• Type: Traditional, Classical, Contemporary

The sitar is a classical Indian instrument that belongs to the types of stringed instruments found in South Asia. It has up to 21 strings, with the main melody being played on six or seven strings while the remaining strings resonate sympathetically. The sitar is notable for its complex, layered sound and its use in Indian classical music.

While traditionally used in Indian classical compositions, the sitar gained worldwide recognition in the 1960s through musicians like Ravi Shankar and George Harrison. Today, it is still used in traditional settings but has also crossed over into fusion and experimental music.

10. The Balalaika

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 3
• Size: Small to large
• Origin Country: Russia
• Type: Folk, Traditional

The balalaika is a triangular-shaped, three-stringed instrument central to Russian folk music. Unlike most other string instruments, the balalaika has a distinct triangular body and comes in several sizes, ranging from the high-pitched prima to the larger, deep-voiced bass balalaika. The instrument’s strings are typically plucked, producing a bright, staccato sound that resonates well in traditional settings.

The balalaika is cherished in Russian musical heritage, and while it has not achieved widespread popularity outside of Russia, it has occasionally been featured in classical compositions and modern interpretations of folk music. Its distinct sound and historical significance make it a standout among other stringed instruments.

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Additional String Instruments to Consider

1. The Lute

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: Typically 15 or more, arranged in courses
• Size: Varies, typically medium
• Country of Origin: Ancient civilizations, evolved in Europe
• Type: Traditional, Historical

The lute is an ancient instrument and part of the lute family, which gave rise to many modern string instruments like the guitar. It has a deep, rounded body with strings attached to a neck with frets. While the lute was widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, it has seen a resurgence in interest among musicians dedicated to historical performance practices. The body of the instrument provides rich, resonant tones ideal for early folk songs and courtly music.

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2. The Erhu

• String Family: Bowed string
• Number of Strings: 2
• Size: Small
• Country of Origin: China
• Type: Traditional, Contemporary, Folk

The erhu is a two-stringed, bowed instrument from China, known for its distinct sound and deeply expressive quality. Though it only has two strings, the erhu produces a wide range of tones, making it a crucial instrument in both classical music and Chinese folk music. Its use of a musical bow and resonance through a small sound box gives it a unique timbre that can evoke emotional depth and melodic beauty.

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3. The Bouzouki

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 8 (4 pairs of doubled strings)
• Size: Medium
• Country of Origin: Greece
• Type: Folk, Traditional, Contemporary

The bouzouki, a member of the lute family, is an eight-stringed instrument that originated in Greece. It features a long neck and a hollow resonating chamber, producing a bright, melodic tone. The bouzouki is central to Greek folk music but has also been adapted into other genres, including Irish and Celtic music. Its distinctive timbre makes it a versatile instrument in both traditional and modern compositions.

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4. The Kora

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: 21
• Size: Large
• Country of Origin: West Africa
• Type: Traditional, Folk

The kora is a harp-like instrument from West Africa with 21 strings and a large resonating gourd. Played by plucking the strings with the fingers, the kora produces a soft, flowing sound that is rich in harmonic overtones. The kora is traditionally used by griots, who are storytellers and musicians, and it plays a central role in West African folk music. The kora’s complex sound and cultural significance make it an important instrument in both local traditions and world music.

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5. The Zither

• String Family: Plucked string
• Number of Strings: Varies (often more than 30)
• Size: Small to large
• Country of Origin: Central Europe
• Type: Traditional, Folk, Classical

The zither is a flat, plucked string instrument found in Central European folk music traditions. It has a resonant body with strings stretched across it, played by either plucking or strumming. The zither produces a distinct sound, often described as delicate and shimmering. It is an essential instrument in Austrian and German folk music and has also been used in classical compositions.

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Conclusion

The types of string instruments in use today provide a rich variety of sounds, shapes, and musical possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to the bright twang of the banjo, the deep resonance of the double bass, or the ethereal tones of the kora, each instrument in the string instrument family offers something unique. By exploring the different stringed musical instruments from around the world, musicians can tap into centuries of tradition while also pushing the boundaries of modern music. Whether you’re playing electric string instruments or acoustic ones, string instruments musicians continue to shape the soundscape of both classical music and contemporary genres.