Here are a few common techniques that can be used in any orchestral or symphonic arrangement using stringed instruments. This video contains audio as a supplement to the visuals for those who do not know what sounds are associated with each technique.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV18nn8hCRwFirst off, the string section of an orchestra comprises of 3 categories: Violins, Violas, Violoncellos (or more commonly just plain " cello") and Double Basses.
1) As you can see, the Violins are split into 2 sections, Violin 1, and Violin 2. In this example, It is shown that commonly when the Violins are given the melody of a piece, both Violin 1 and 2 play that same melody but with Violin 1 being an octave above Violin 2, giving it a broader sound.
2) A similar effect is used for the bass instruments. In orchestral pieces the Violoncello is commonly given the same part as the Double bass, but an octave higher, or if you wish to think of it this way, the double bass is given the same part as the Cello, but an octave lower, giving it a broader sound.
NOTE: The double base sounds 8vb (one octave lower) than notated.
3) It is common for the Viola section to split off, playing 2 different parts. Once the split is started, it is noted above the staff " div." or slightly longer " divisi." This indicates that the section splits into two.
4) When the composer or arranger doesn't need the Violas playing two different parts and wants them to merge and play together on the same line, the top of the stave is marked with "a2". "a2" means for the two parts to play together. If there are three parts that must play together " a3" is used and for four " a4" is used and so on and so on.
5) " Unis." short for unison, can be used as an alternative to "a2"
This is the Pizzicato technique, where the string player from violin to double bass pluck the strings rather than using their bows. To instruct the player to pluck the strings use the short hand : "pizz."
When you want to instruct the player to use their bow, mark above the stave: arco
This is the tremolo technique. This is where the player is instructed to play their note with rapid successions. It is like a trill but it is the same not played rapidly, many times. There is a more technical way to explain this but I'll save some though. Now, tremolo can be marked with the word " tremolo" placed above the staff. This tells the player to play all subsequent notes with the tremolo technique. If you wish for the player to only use tremolo on a short section or only a few select notes, use slashes on the stem of the notes you desire, much in the same way percussion players are instructed to play a "roll." It does matter how many slashes you use. The less slashes, the less rapid the note is played in succession, and in the opposite, the more slashes, the faster the rate of succession.
NOTE: When having the strings play chords, each note of the chord will belong to each section. Violin 1 having the highest note, Violin 2 having the second highest, etc. If need be, Viola can also be given two parts for the players to divide amongst themselves, as marked by "div."
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