Interactive theory · Lesson 4
The Four Strings of the Violin: G3–D4–A4–E5
First, memorize the four open strings, then connect their note names, solfège syllables, and positions on the staff.
Did you know · Although the violin has only four strings, it can produce sounds spanning four octaves—because there are countless finger positions. And all of this positioning begins with the four open strings.
The four open strings, from lowest to highest, are: G3 — D4 — A4 — E5 (solfège: Sol, Re, La, Mi). Adjacent strings are exactly a perfect fifth apart. Click the string name below to hear its pitch; its position will light up on the staff—these four positions serve as "landmarks" for your fingers.
Try it
Why this matters: When your teacher says "play an A," you simply need to know that A = the open A4 string. Start by listening to the pitch of the open string. The four open strings are the most direct reference pitches.
The interactive score below is your complete "note map": C4 on the first ledger line below the staff, E4 through F5 within the five lines, and G5 through C6 on the first ledger line above the staff. Whatever you click will sound. Most notes in beginner method books (such as Suzuki Book 1) fall within this range.