The violin is the smallest, followed by the viola, which is only slightly bigger and looks similar. The cello is significantly larger than the first two and the bass is the largest. The size of the strings also varies in both thickness and length, which plays a role in the instrument's range of notes.

The violin produces high-pitched clear notes and for that reason, it is a prominent solo or melody instrument. The viola produces lower notes, but not as low as the cello, and the tone is mellower. That makes the viola a perfect balancer between the string instrument family.

Size: The violin is the smallest of the three, followed by the viola, and then the cello, which is the largest. Range: The violin has the highest pitch range of the three, followed by the viola, and then the cello, which has the lowest pitch range. Sound: The violin has a bright, clear sound, while the viola has a warmer and deeper tone.

Violin has the super high notes all the way to A7 and can play as low as G3. Viola can play from C3-E6, so slightly lower than the violin and not nearly as high. Viola also has a deeper tone than the violin. Cello can play from C2-C6 and bass can play from C2-C5. Bass sounds an octave lower than the cello.

In ensembles, each instrument has its unique role: violins often lead with high, melodic lines, while violas provide a middle harmony, crucial for the ensemble’s body. Cellos offers a harmonic foundation and poignant, expressive solos, demonstrating versatility across genres.