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How is sul G played?
Play the indicated notes on the G string, even when a different string offers an easier fingering. On violin G–D–A–E, G is the lowest string; on viola and cello C–G–D–A, it is second-lowest; on standard four-string double bass E–A–D–G, it is the highest. On violin, a melody carried high on G can sound darker and thicker than the same pitches on A, and the familiar lyrical use keeps a sonorous colour on the lowest string; on the other instruments the result and required position follow their different registers, setup, bowing and dynamics. Continue through the marked line or span until another string is named, the indication is cancelled or its endpoint is clear.
How does sul G sound?
A warm, dark, resonant tone — full and covered, especially expressive in higher positions on the violin's lowest string.
In context
Italian sul means “on the”, so sul G means “on the G string”. Official notation guidance, a publisher critical report and primary scores use the full phrase. The critical report also prints IV for the violin G string, while official notation documentation allows Roman string numbers; such numerals and bare pitch letters are alternative string selectors, not abbreviations of sul G. Their value is instrument-dependent: with the highest string numbered I, G is IV on violin, III on viola and cello, and I on standard four-string double bass.