Parts of the Violin

In order to learn how to play the violin, you must first be well acquainted with the different parts of the violin and the specific functions of those parts. The parts of the violin are named just like a human body. It has a neck, belly (front of the violin), back and ribs (the sides of the violin). The other parts of the violin are:

1. Scroll - This is located at the top of the violin. It is a decorative part, mostly hand carved.

2. Pegbox - This is where the pegs are inserted. The pegs are adjusted to tune the violin.

3. Nut - Helps keep the distance of the strings and supports the strings so that it has a good height from the fingerboard.

4. Strings - It has 4 strings that are tuned a fifth apart.

5. Bridge - The position of the bridge is essential as it directly relates to the quality of sound produced by the violin. The bridge is held in place by the strings' tension. When the string vibrates, the bridge also vibrates.

6. Fingerboard - It is a strip of wood on the neck of the violin where the strings are. When a violinist plays, he presses down the strings on the fingerboard, thus changing the pitch.

7. Sounding Post - Located under the bridge, it supports the pressure inside the violin. The bridge and sounding post are directly related, when the violin vibrates, the bridge, body and sounding post vibrates as well.

8. F Holes - Is located in the middle of the violin. It is called F Hole because it is shaped like an F in Italics. It allows sound to come out of the violin. Altering the F Hole, such as its length, can affect the sound of the violin.

9. Tailpiece - Holds the strings so that it has a good distance from the bridge.

10. Chin Rest - It helps the violinist hold the instrument in place. While playing, the violinist can use his chin to hold the violin, thus freeing up his hands.

Here is an illustration of a violin from MSN Encarta for further understanding.