Strings

Cello

The bowed instrument closest to a human chest voice.

1 · Hear it

Listen twice: once alone, once with the band. The second one is how you'll actually hear it in songs.

2 · What it actually is

A large bowed string instrument played sitting down, between the knees.

Its job

Carries low, warm melodies or holds the bottom of a string section.

Listen for

Deep, woody, breath-like swells.

You've heard it in: Film scores, chamber music, moody pop arrangements.

3 · Words that go with it