How to Distinguish Between Violins and Violas

The viola is a member of the string family that is often times mistaken for the violin. The next time you attend a concert, look closely at the orhestra. While it may seem like your listening to 30 violins, there may actually be a few viola players seated near the violins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Pick up both instruments. The difference in weight is noticeable. The viola being the heavier of the two.

6. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• The viola is often times mistaken for a violin in the orchestra. Usually situated between the violins and the cellos or others in the instrumental family, a novice may think it is just another violin.