By
eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Look at the two side by side. The viola is longer than the violin. When set next to each other, the viola's neck stretches past the violin.
Step2
Listen for the deeper sound of the viola. The sound is much stronger and lower in pitch than a violin making it the alto voice in the family of instruments.
Step3
View the bow of the viola. Because the instrument is bigger, the bow is a little longer, and a viola player must stretch his arms more to properly play the viola.
Step4
Tune them differently. The viola tunes with a scale to C, D, G and A; while the violin tunes to G, D, A and E.
Step5
Pick up both instruments. The difference in weight is noticeable. The viola being the heavier of the two.
Step6
Notice a viola player's movements. When performing, the violist must make larger motions with his or her arms to stretch the bow back and forth across the strings.