All about strings

A look at some of the great double bass instruments of the past, and how the bass developed into what it is today...

How have changes in the construction of the cello allowed it to produce a greater sound? Cello-player Ben Chappell demonstrates and explains.

An introduction to the techniques used by violinists, and a look at the playing of Yehudi Menuhin, one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.

Lucy Gould recalls how she learnt the essential skills of violin-playing, including how to hold the violin and the bow, and how to use vibrato.

The importance of the bow should never be under-estimated. Find out how they’re held and listen to bowing effects from tremolando to train noises.

Larry Bartley explains why he is so driven to play the acoustic bass – even though the instrument is something of a liability

Larry Bartley explains the importance of hitting the right spot on a double bass's fretboard – something that only comes with practice

Larry Bartley demonstrates pizzicato playing, and the famous 'walking bass' sound that has been a feature of jazz and swing since the 1930s.

Wali Cham explains how to hold the kora in such a way that all 21 strings can be played

Kora-player Wali Cham Jobarteh explains where all the parts of the kora come from and how they fit together.

In 'Moving Away' the two koras have a special relationship. Find out how the two players interact with each other throughout the song.

Just because an instrument is playing a repeating pattern it doesn't mean there isn't room for subtleties. Find out how Maya does this in the guitar part of Tunde Jegede's 'Moving Away'.

An overview of the cello's role in music from its earliest days to the present time, with examples of some of the wide-ranging music written for it.