What Are The Differences Between A Violin And A Viola?

What Are The Differences Between A Violin And A Viola? This is a question we are often asked when we introduce our 5-string electric violins. 5-string electric violins have an extra string, the C string (or C string) that is normally used on violas.

The violin and viola are part of the family of bowed string instruments, along with the cello and double bass. The viola occupies the middle register of the string family. It is tuned following the same principle as the violin, in fifths, with the difference that it is tuned in the lower fifth.

The violin and viola look very similar at first glance. Beginners often have difficulty telling them apart, especially if they are not arranged side by side. There are many similarities between the viola and the violin:

And yet, by examining the image below, you will identify the first difference between a violin and a viola: their size is significantly different.

A Matter Of Size And Weight

The Size Of The Viola Vs The Size Of The Violin

The first difference lies in the size of the two instruments. In the fifteenth century, the viola had very different sizes. There was a tenor viola model whose excessive dimensions made it difficult to play it. Today, the difference in size between different violas is still present, but a standard has been set. It is not something fixed, but we can talk about a body that measures between 38 and 43 cm.

To define what size viola or violin an instrumentalist needs, the distance between the neck and the palm of the instrumentalist’s hand must be measured, keeping the arm extended and parallel to the ground.

In the case of an adult viola, this measurement must be at least 67 cm. Which corresponds to a 16 viola. On the other hand, for the violin, the distance will be at least 60 cm for an adult. The adult violinist will then use a 4/4 violin, which is the reference size for violins and is called full size.

Regarding the violin, we talk about violin 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, etc. While for the viola we speak of 12, 13 to 16 1/2. Below you will find a chart that compares these sizes and the length from neck to arm.

If your child is under the age of 6 and they are looking for a viola, it may be difficult to find a model this small in size in stores. However, if you compare the sizes of violins and violas, you will find that a 4/4 (adult) violin is about the same size as a 14 viola. Then you can change it to a real viola later when the time is right. To transform a violin into a viola, all you have to do is replace the strings of the violin with those of the viola.

The ages mentioned in the above tables are merely indicative. Every child grows differently and your child may need to wear a size smaller or larger to practice in good condition.

Difference In Weight

Being larger, the viola contains more material, making it heavier than the violin. Although the viola is played in the same way as the violin, it requires more effort to hold it on the arm. A viola weighs about 580g, a violin weighs about 460g.

The Distance Between The Fingers

The difference in size between the viola and the violin lies in the position of the fingers. They will be further apart on a viola because the distance between the strings is greater than on a violin. Therefore, the dexterity of the fingers will be different.

Different Strings

The classical viola and the violin each have 4 strings, but they are not the same. The sound of a viola is, therefore, lower than that of a violin. The physical distance between the strings is also different. He is older on the viola. That is why when a violist plays the violin or vice versa, it is difficult to determine the position of the fingers. Also, viola strings are thicker and require more strength from the violist.

The four strings of the violin are separated by an interval of perfect fifths. The viola has a lower scale than the violin and an exact octave higher than the cello.

Two Different Techniques

Different Physical Limitations

The viola and the violin look similar, but the fact that the viola is larger will put more physical strain on the violist’s body. Chord length will force you to drive more significant distances. The size of the instrument also limits the flexibility of your hand and body movements.

The viola will also put more physical pressure on the violinist’s arm, which will have to support more weight. In conclusion, the violist must make a greater effort to play. Be careful, these limitations are not exclusive, rather they result from a difference between the two instruments. Players intuitively adapt their playing according to the instrument they are using

The Technique

The way you play and manipulate the bow is also different when it comes to perfecting the desired sounds. As the length of the viola is longer, the bow will also be longer and therefore heavier.

The size of the viola implies a greater separation of the fingers on the neck. The effort and power required from the hands, fingers, and arms must also be greater since the strings are thicker.

Different Keys

The viola can be read in the C clef and the treble clef, while the violin is read in the treble clef. Reading a score based on these two keys requires a readjustment since you have to learn to decode each one of them.

Sound

Being larger and using a lower string, the viola will produce a deeper, darker sound. The sound is also often described as softer, rounder, melodious, velvety, and richer in the upper and middle registers.

The musical repertoire is much more extensive for the violin. The great composers have given the violin a prominent place in their compositions. The violin plays the melody in an orchestra, while the viola plays the role of accompanist.

He generally duplicates the violin melody and picks up the cello basses.

Violins generally have a greater presence in an orchestra. While you have two violin sections, you only have one viola section. Note that violins are the only ones that have two sections, all other instruments used in an orchestra have only one.

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