Key differences

In a nutshell, what are the differences between viola and violin? Here’s the simple answer.

Viola vs. violin – the differences

Violins are smaller than violas and have a higher pitch. Their strings have different tunings (though both are in fifths) and violins use the treble clef while the viola uses the alto clef. The bows are shaped and weighted differently. In orchestras, violists sit in the centre and there are more violin solos.

If that’s not enough of an explanation, don’t worry – we have more information below!

1. Size

The violin is the smallest of the four-string instruments usually seen in an orchestra, the viola is slightly bigger. We then have the cello and double bass, the two largest four-string instruments in the orchestra. Violas and violins are the closest in dimensions, causing confusion.

Ranging from 8″ to 14″ in back length, the violin is sized in fractions, such as 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4, as can be seen with the Stentor Student 2 Violin. A violin also has a slimmer neck. To find the right violin for you, read our in-depth guide to violin sizes.

Viola sizing is slightly more fluid than a violin, with standard violas ranging between 12″ and 16.5″.

They also tend to use inches as a sizing method rather than fractions, for example, Student Viola by Gear4music, 13-inch.

Top tip: Always check the internal case measurements against your viola or violin when buying a new one.

2. Strings

Violins and violas are tuned in fifths, but the viola starts one fifth lower. This means that the violin is tuned to G-D-A-E whereas the viola is C-G-D-A.

Both types of string can be made from the same materials – commonly a synthetic core with metal winding – but create a different sound depending on the combination of the instrument size and string length and thickness.

Whilst the materials are the same, violin strings are shorter, thinner, and, therefore, lighter than viola strings. These differences in design mean that viola strings require more pressure to be played.

Read our guide to find out which violin strings you need.

Viola string set recommendation: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola String Set

Violin string set recommendation: Thomastik Dominant Violin String Set, Aluminium E, 4/4 Size, Medium

3. Bows

Violin and viola bows have the same basic setup: synthetic or natural horsehair attached to a flexible rod (normally wood or carbon fibre) that you can tighten or loosen as needed. There’s also a frog to hold while playing.

While viola and violin bows are the same length, viola bows are heavier. As we mentioned earlier, viola strings are thicker than those of a violin, and so they need the extra weight of the bow to provide more pressure. Viola bows can also be adjusted for the most effective resonance with the larger strings., and there’s a wider variety of hair ribbon widths to choose from.

The frogs are also slightly different: a violin has a straight-edged frog whereas a viola’s frog has curved edges, both are designed for a comfortable grip.

You can easily see the differences between the two with this Coruss carbon violin bow and this P&H fibreglass viola bow. Due to all these small differences in their design, it’s important to not mix up the bows and use them for the wrong instrument!

Rosin is something else to consider. Often, violists prefer to apply a softer, stickier rosin to their bow, whilst violinists tend to use a lighter, harder rosin as this compliments the instrument’s strings – but it’s all down to personal preference.

4. Sound

Violas and violins can produce different notes thanks to their various string tunings.

Both instruments use their strings to vibrate the air inside the chamber. The size of the strings and the volume of air interact to create their unique timbre.

A violin’s smaller size and lighter strings offer clarity, which is why the violin has more famous solo works than a viola and why it’s predominantly used to play the main melody in an ensemble. They have a more piercing tone which can cut through an orchestra, and they sound brighter.

In contrast, a viola’s larger size means that air inside the instrument resonates more slowly, adding a deeper tone. This depth is normally used as a counterpoint for the violin, though it can be less responsive.

5. Clef

Knowing the score when reading sheet music is always important… if you’ll excuse the pun.

There are four regularly used clefs in modern music: treble, alto, tenor, and bass.

In general, violin parts are written in the treble clef (also known as the G clef). The most commonly used clef, it’s suited to higher instruments and is usually one of the first clefs taught in music lessons, alongside the bass clef.

Parts for the viola are usually in the alto clef. One of the C clefs alongside tenor, it’s rarely used for other instruments.

While the viola has a different notation to many other instruments, it’s common that more advanced players can read both – this won’t, however, be the case for beginners.

6. Position in the orchestra

Viola players are right in the thick of it. They sit in the centre of an orchestra, between the cellos and the violins, as their sound is the midpoint between the two.

The position of violins in an orchestra is a bit more flexible – the first violins are stage right (left from the audience’s perspective). The second violin section is then often directly next to them, either continuing as a section towards the back of the stage or curving around to the violas.

As with any stage layout, however, the position of string players can be subject to performance and the personal preference of the conductor or musical director.

7. Role

Violins are often seen as the star of the show, with countless pieces of music written specifically to showcase its strident tone. As mentioned previously, the violin often plays the melody in an orchestral piece. The higher pitch helps it carry further and stand out in an ensemble.

A warmer tone means that the viola suits lyrical harmonies and can add depth to an ensemble’s performance. This applies to any size ensemble, from string quartets to philharmonic orchestras. While violins have traditionally been famous for their well known solo works and melodic lines, violas are starting to take more of these opportunities in contemporary and transposed pieces.

Some history

The origin of orchestral strings is widely debated – bowed string instruments tuned in fifths such as the rebab have been around since the 8th century in Africa and Asia. There are also many other bowed strings spanning millennia and continents.

The modern violin and viola date back to the lira da braccio in Europe; in fact, roughly all European string instruments started with the lira da braccio. The viola da braccio (Italian for “arm viola”) was influenced by innovations to viola da gamba (viol), making the viol stand on the ground, adding frets, and raising the bridge to allow for more intricate playing. This adaptation led to the string instruments we know and play today.

All orchestral string instruments have historically used gut strings, though more recently, synthetic metal-wound strings are popular thanks to advanced manufacturing processes.

FAQs

Which is easier to play – violin or viola?

The violin and viola are easy to play in some ways and difficult to play in others. The violin is lighter and more easily accessible to younger or smaller players, but you tend to find more complex music readily available. The viola is almost the opposite in this sense. It’s heavier, and not as easy for younger players, but the music you’ll find will be more beginner-friendly due to it being known as an accompaniment instrument.

Should I learn violin or viola first?

Many students choose the violin first, but the viola is also a good place to start. Violins can be more readily available in smaller sizes, and there are often plenty of child-friendly resources. For this reason, the violin is a great beginner instrument. The viola, however, is also great to learn and if you have the necessary tools to play, there should be nothing stopping you! You also manage to avoid the more painful screeching notes with a viola.

Can a violinist play a viola?

A violinist can play the viola, but it will take some getting used to. While the instruments look similar, they require slightly different playing techniques, for example, you’ll need to get used to a new centre of balance in the bow. Reading in the alto clef will also be a new experience, although you’ll still be able to read the music in treble clef when it exceeds a certain pitch. Despite this, there are plenty of transferable skills: playing the viola would be easier than if a non-string player tried, but don’t be surprised if you aren’t perfect immediately.

Final thoughts

We hope that we’ve helped you learn the differences between the violin and viola that every string player should know. While they’re similar in many ways, their size, strings, and sound all make a large difference.

The viola is bigger, lower in sound, and requires more pressure to play, whereas the violin has a faster response and is easier to source solo parts for. So, the one that’s right for you, viola vs. violin, depends on the kind of role you want in an ensemble, whether you want a mellower or clearer tone, and the size of instrument you’ll feel most comfortable with.

At Gear4music, we have student violins and violas available on our website, along with all the accessories you could need!