Bowed string instruments

Bowed string instruments, such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, produce sound by drawing a bow made of horsehair across their strings. The friction causes the strings to vibrate, creating sound waves that resonate within the instrument's hollow body. The pitch can be changed by pressing the strings against the fingerboard, altering string length and tension. These instruments are valued for their expressive range and tonal richness, making them central to many musical genres. Their design allows for nuanced dynamics and vibrato, contributing to their prominent role in orchestras and chamber music.