String instruments were either plucked or bowed. The following list of Elizabethan stringed instruments is not exhaustive but contains the majority of this category of Instruments:

• The Harp - The harp was about 30 inches in length
• The Fiddle - Fiddles were played with a bow or plucked and usually held under the chin or in the crook of the arm. One of the most popular street musical instruments
• The Rebec - The rebec was a musical instrument with a round pear-shaped body ( an early violin)
• The Psaltery - The Psaltery was a cross between a harp and a guitar
• The Dulcimer - The Dulcimer was played by striking the strings with hammers
• The Hurdy-gurdy - the hurdy-gurdy was introduced in the 12th century - the bow was replaced by strings attached to a wheel which was cranked by a handle - extremely popular form of Street music
• The Viol - Viols were played with a bow and initially held on the lap or between the legs
• Viola da Gamba -  Italian term for "viol of the leg" played with a bow and held between the legs
• The Lute - Favored by the Elizabethan courtiers
• Chittarone - a lute which could reach 6 feet tall
• Cittern or Gittern - Similar to a modern guitar