If you’re trying to work your brain and learn a fantastic new skill, it doesn’t get much better than playing a musical instrument.
The industry of musical instruments is worth more than $15 billion in value today. You have lots of choices when you’d like to learn one.
Orchestra instruments like the violin and viola are pleasurable to the ear and allow you to get classical training that you can build for a lifetime.
What is a viola? What is a violin? We’re happy to explain.
Here’s what you should know about the differences when you’re exploring the viola vs violin.
The Viola Is Larger
First, the viola is larger than the viola. While bigger violins span 14 inches, a viola will get as large as approximately 17 inches. Keep the size in mind as you consider your arm length and body type.
The violin or viola price will also depend on the size of the instrument, the materials that it’s made from, and other matters.
The Strings Are Arranged Differently
Next, recognize that the strings are different for the viola vs. the violin. With the viola, the strings start with C at the bottom, and then ascend to G, D, and A. The violin starts with G at the bottom, followed by D, A, and E strings.
The instruments don’t look or feel all that different, but you can expect completely different sounds when playing them thanks to the note arrangement.
They Use a Different Clef
This violin vs. viola guide isn’t complete without an understanding of the different clefs. With the viola, the music is set to the Alto clef, while the violin is set to the Treble clef.
A person who plays the piano, trumpet, or saxophone will have a comfort level reading music for the violin since they all use the Treble clef. People who play the alto trombone will have comfort reading music for the viola.
These Instruments Use a Different Bow
You use a bow whether you play the violin or the viola. In understanding this viola vs. violin guide, recognize that the bows these instruments use have slight differences.
With the viola, the bow is a little heavier and is often rounded. The violin bow is a little lighter and often straight and angular. The bows accomplish much of the same but might feel a bit different when you handle them.
They Create Different Sounds
Finally, the sound is slightly different when comparing the viola vs. the violin. The viola is approximately 1/5 lower than the violin. It creates a deeper, more resonant sound that people love for different types of music.
Both have their place in the orchestra and blend well together
These tips will help you when you’re shopping around for either a violin or a viola. Better year, you can shop an orchestra instrument here when you’re ready to learn more.
Getting to Know the Viola vs Violin
The tips above are useful when you’re exploring the viola vs violin. The best way to get to know these two different instruments is with hands-on experience. Hit your local music shop, get a teacher, and figure out the ins and outs of each instrument.
Check out our other articles for more information on the viola, violin, and other instruments.
