Hi, just wondering what the difference is between a violin and viola, cos they both look the same!

Jade. xx

A viola is bigger than a violin, and it's tuned a fifth lower. Violins have a G, D, A and E string, whereas Violas have a C, G, D and A string.

violas sound more sonorous on the lower strings (cant think of a better word!) i think the bow is also shorter than a violinists bow. i can never tell the difference when i see them and im a violist!

QUOTE (nutter @ Jul 8 2004, 08:53 PM)

i can never tell the difference when i see them

I always thought that Violas look wider at the chin rest end than a violin.

Thats how I've always distinguished them and I play violin.

Maybe it's just me ?

Fiona

yea think ur right there. its just that when i see them they always seem 2 b really far away and i cant distinguish them!

the bow is a bit different too. viola bow is rounded at the frog, while violin bow is a sharp perpendicular. and the clef!!! ugh.. alto clef's killing me...

Thanks for your replies- I was just curious!

difference in size, tone, sound

If you're familiar with the repertoire of viola jokes there's always the description that; 'violins aren't smaller, it's just the players heads are bigger'.

I'll leave you to think about that one.................

violas are bigger than violins..longer..wider..etc.
if you compare the two side by side there's a huge difference. At least for me when I tried my friend's violin.
The lowest string on the viola is the C string, as opposed to violin's G string

Violinists don't be offended but I read somewhere that a viola player was a violinist with good taste

QUOTE (Rainbow @ Aug 25 2004, 08:49 PM)

Violinists don't be offended but I read somewhere that a viola player was a violinist with good taste

So true

viola bows and violin bows are the same size cello bows are smaller


viola bows and violin bows are the same size cello bows are smaller

Actually both my viola bows are quite different from my violin bows.