The violin, also known as a fiddle, is a
string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the
smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments,
which also includes the viola, and the cello. Many people think that the double
bass is a member of the violin family, but it is really a member of the viol
family
Someone who plays the violin is called a violinist or
a fiddler. The violinist produces sound by drawing a bow across one or more
strings (which may be stopped by the fingers of the other hand to produce a full
range of pitches), by plucking the strings (with either hand), or by a variety
of other techniques. The violin is played by musicians in a wide variety of
musical genres, including Baroque music, classical, jazz, folk music, rock and
roll, and Soft rock. The violin has come to be played in many non-Western music
cultures all over the world.