The violin and the viola are two instruments from the same family. Both are string instruments that have a similar size and appearance. For this resemblance, their differentiation can be a little complicated if you are not used with the special features of each of them. If you're curious and want to know how to tell apart both instruments, at OneHowTo we explain you what the difference between a violin and a viola is.
Violin
The violin is one of the main instruments in an orchestra and was invented in Italy in the 16th century. It is the highest pitched instrument in the string family and has four strings. The lowest note of a violin is G, while the highest is E. The other two strings are D and A. All four strings are tuned in perfect fifths.
There are different sizes of violins, depending on how big you are. Children usually start playing with 1/4 or 2/4, while teenagers and adults can already use the full size instrument (4/4). The body length of 4/4 violins is 356mm (about 14 inches).
Violinists often use a bow made of horsehair to draw sound from the strings, and the technique to play the violin is complex and requires years of practice and dedication. The violin is prominently featured in various music genres, including classical, jazz, and even rock.
Viola
The viola is a stringed instrument like the violin. However, it has a slightly larger size and generates deeper sounds. This instrument is considered the tenor of the violin family. A musician that plays the viola is referred to as a violist or viola.
Violas emerged long before violins. The first were called viola da gamba. The need for music bands to offer a much more powerful sound than that of the double bass lead to their invention.
Violas, just like violins, also have four strings. The strings are also usually tuned in fifths, although the notes are different than the violin. The lowest string is C, the highest is A and the remaining two are G and D. The tuning of the viola is exactly one fifth below the violin, so they have in common the strings G, D and A.
Violas are slightly bigger than violins, a full-size viola is 40cm (16 inches).
In orchestras, violas often provide the inner harmonies and enrich the overall sound with their warm, mellow tone. They play a crucial role in creating a balanced orchestral texture.
The differences between the two
Both instruments are very similar, however they play different roles in the orchestra. Violins usually have more importance and have solo parts, while violas are used for accompaniment.
Also, violins are smaller than violas. This is because the violin has a higher pitch and doesn't need a resonance box as big as instruments that have deeper sounds.
Violins are one of the most common instruments in the string family, and often people that play the viola are mistaken for violinists.
The physical posture and playing technique also differ; violinists typically hold their instrument under the chin, while violists must adjust slightly due to the viola's larger size. This adjustment can affect the left-hand technique and bowing style.
It should be noted that the repertoire for each instrument also differs. Violins have a vast array of solo pieces composed for them, while violas, although having fewer solo works, are gaining recognition with contemporary composers increasingly writing for the instrument.
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