Top 10 Pop Songs That Sound Amazing on String Quartet

This list explores ten popular hits that take on a new character when arranged for two violins, viola, and cello.

From chart-topping ballads to upbeat dance tracks, these string quartet renditions showcase the versatility of both the songs and the classical format, proving that a great melody can transcend genres and eras.

10. Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's dreamy pop ballad takes on an ethereal quality when performed by a string quartet. The sweeping melodies are ideally suited to the rich, expressive tones of the strings, creating a familiar and refreshingly new version.

Buy the sheet music here(opens in a new tab).

9. Sleepwalker - Ava Max

In this Scherzo Scores special, Ava Max's electropop hit takes on a powerful and dark timbre reminiscent of something by Dimitri Shostakovich.

Transposed into C Minor, the sonority of the accompaniment from the viola and cello becomes a powerful and resonant engine, driving the song forward.

Buy the sheet music here.

8. Firework - Katy Perry

Katy Perry's empowering anthem - which already makes excellent use of strings - works perfectly for a string quartet. Listeners love the driving rhythm and catchy melody.

There isn't a demo of the string quartet version, but I've played it many times, and it always goes down extremely well with any kind of audience.

Buy the sheet music here(opens in a new tab).

7. bad guy - Billie Eilish

In this imaginative arrangement from the Vitamin String Quartet, Billie Eilish's brooding pop hit is transformed into an intense, dramatic piece for the string quartet.

The iconic bass line translates surprisingly well to cello, while the other instruments cleverly weave in Eilish's whispered vocals and electronic elements.

Buy the sheet music here(opens in a new tab).

6. Thursday - Jess Glynne

Jess Glynne's soulful pop track becomes a poignant, introspective piece in this Scherzo Scores arrangement. The pizzicato cello part can be strummed like a guitar, which audiences love to see. Something is charming about how the song's sombre and reflective verse leads into the soulful and uplifting chorus.

Buy the sheet music here.

5. Shallow - A Star Is Born

This Academy Award-winning duet from Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper translates beautifully to string quartet. The soaring melodies are ideally suited to strings, creating a version as moving as the original. And despite its gentle start, there's plenty of drama and drive towards the end.

Buy the sheet music here(opens in a new tab).

4. Message in a Bottle - Taylor Swift

Swift's upbeat pop track becomes an energetic, playful piece for a string quartet.

In the verse, a semiquaver ostinato weaves through the instruments, adding quiet tension and leading to the oh-so-satisfying chorus.

Buy the sheet music here.

3. thank u, next - Ariana Grande

This jaunty arrangement was featured in Bridgerton and makes an elegant addition to any wedding set list. Everyone gets the tune, and each part is fabulously interesting. It might take quite a bit of rehearsal to put together, but it's worth it.

Buy the sheet music here(opens in a new tab).

2. Cruel Summer - Taylor Swift

This synth-pop banger is one of Scherzo Scores' best sellers, and it's not hard to see why. The driving bassline - reminiscent of a Mozart divertimento - plus the irresistible melody make this a joy to play and a delight to hear.

The cello part is quite challenging, but it's absolutely worth it.

Buy the sheet music here.

1. Material Girl - Madonna

Unfortunately, the sheet music for this title isn't available, but I can't let that stop me from adding it to the prime spot in this listicle.

Madonna's iconic '80s hit gets a classy makeover in this string quartet arrangement. We have a driving pizzicato bass from the cello, and the jaunty vocal is mainly given to the viola, which has a wonderfully rich and resonant tone enhanced by lots of ridiculously fun swoops and slides.

Even the quirkier elements - deranged hacking from the violin - are playful and fun.

For me, this arrangement strikes a perfect balance between capturing the original pop magic and maxing out the capabilities of the string quartet.

These ten pop songs demonstrate the incredible versatility of both modern songwriting and classical instrumentation. Whether you're a string quartet looking to expand your repertoire or discover new music, these string quartet arrangements offer something extraordinary.