A string quartet is a form of instrumentation, in Western music tradition, that consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello playing a multi-movement musical composition utilizing the sonata form.
The 'quartet' is a type of chamber music, which began in the 18th century when public concert-giving began, and has continued to the present day.
The quartet lineup is very common in rock music, usually, but not always, consisting of two guitars, a bass guitar, and a drum kit.