The sound of a violin is extremely versatile. It can be brilliant and it can be sweet and delicate. Its range spans both alto and soprano registers and its highest notes extend far higher than the vocal soprano range. It is useful in dramatic and virtuosic music as well as in simple song-like music. In an orchestra where relatively large groups of violins play together violins can produce strong, yet flexible tone and often are called on to play the melody of a piece.

Like other string instruments, the violin becomes "thinner" as the pitch goes up. Often times, the lowest string, the G string, is described as "full" and "rich," while the highest string, the E string is considered by many as "billiant" and "bright".

The violin bow is longer than the violin itself. Violinists, like other string players, practice a great deal to control the amount of pressure that the bow applies from the tip to the frog. Because of the length of the bow, violinists have more bowing choices than other string players.

Natural harmonics for the first four harmonics (up to 5th partial) is shown in the graphic. For professional players, this range may be doubled up to the 8th partial; however, the quality of the tone is harder to control. For this reason, it is recommended to limit natural harmonics up to the 5th, perhaps 6th partial, for younger performers. Artificial harmonics, especially the when the perfect fourth above the stopped note is lightly touched, are are very effective and easily produced to most violinists.

Typically, the violin is considered to be an expressive instrument. It can serve as both as a solo instrument as well as an ensemble instrument that blends well with other instruments. The violin is a diverse instrument with a large dynamic range, and it can be both forceful and delicate; melodic and rhythmic.