Parts of Viola or Violin

The violin and the viola are very similar instruments, distinct from each other only in their size and tuning. As such, they are made up of the same parts. Learning these components will help you in learning to play and talk about the instruments.

Basic Parts

The basic large parts of the instrument are the body (the large, hollow part with the hourglass shape), the neck (the long, thin part that extends outward) and the strings (the four wire or nylon cords strung tightly).

Body

The body of the instrument is divided into the upper bout (the top of the hourglass curve), the middle bout (the narrow part) and the lower bout (the larger, lower curve). The body also has narrow, decoratively-shaped holes called the "F" holes.

Neck

The neck consists of the fingerboard (the section of dark ebony under the strings), the scroll (the curly part at the end) and the tuning pegs (four sections of wood that stick out and can be twisted to tune the strings).

Other Parts

Other parts of a violin or viola include the bridge (a section of pale wood that sticks up in the middle, where the strings stretch across), the tail piece (a longer piece of wood just below the strings with metal fixtures where the strings are attached) and the chin rest, a smooth piece of wood at the bottom of the instrument which the player tucks beneath the chin.

Bow

Though not technically a part of a violin or viola, the bow is a requirement for playing both instruments. It consists of a long piece of wood strung with many real or synthetic horse hairs.

References

• Parts of the Violin