Open String
No fingers are pressed down on the fingerboard
"Open String" is the string on a stringed musical instrument that produce their natural pitch when played without pressing them down on the fingerboard or fretboard. Various stringed instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, double bass, and guitar, feature open strings. The specific open strings and their pitches vary depending on the instrument.
Here are examples of open strings in common stringed instruments, listed from low to high:
- Violin: The open strings on the violin are G, D, A, and E.
- Viola: The open strings on the viola are C, G, D, and A.
- Cello: The cello has open strings tuned to C, G, D, and A, but these pitches are one octave lower than those of the viola.
- Double Bass: On the double bass, the open strings are tuned to E, A, D, and G.
- Guitar: A standard six-string guitar features open strings tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E.
Open strings serve various musical purposes. They can be employed to create specific timbres, provide resonance, and infuse brightness into musical passages. Open strings are also essential for tuning purposes and serve as reference pitches for musicians.
Example of Open String
“DAD Song” on Violin (beginner violin - open string piece)
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