The violin is the smallest and highest‑pitched member of the violin family. It has a hollow wooden body and four strings tuned in perfect fifths: G₃, D₄, A₄ and E₅. The instrument is usually played by drawing a bow across the strings, but the strings can also be plucked with the fingers (a technique known as pizzicato). Developed in 16th‑century Italy, the violin has become central to Western classical music and is featured in many other genres including folk, jazz and popular music.
| Family | Chordophone (String) |
|---|---|
| Strings | Four (G₃, D₄, A₄, E₅) |
| Playing method | Bowed with a horse‑hair bow; plucked for pizzicato |
| Origin | Developed in Italy during the 16th century |