The violin’s name comes from the Italian word violino, meaning “little viola.”
The modern violin developed in northern Italy during the early 16th century, with important early makers working in Brescia and Cremona. Andrea Amati, Gasparo da Salò, Antonio Stradivari, and Giuseppe Guarneri were among the makers who shaped the instrument’s design and reputation.
A standard violin has four strings, usually tuned in perfect fifths to G, D, A, and E from lowest to highest. Players typically hold it under the chin and produce sound by drawing a bow across the strings, although plucking, called pizzicato, is also common.
The violin belongs to the same family as the viola, cello, and double bass. The viola is larger and lower than the violin, while the cello and double bass are much larger. Despite its name, the violin is not simply a smaller viola in modern instrument design; the two have distinct ranges, proportions, and roles.