How to Play the Bass Viola

The bass viola can sometimes be found in smaller concert settings.

The bass viola is a rarely seen member of the string family. Sometimes called the bass viol, this instrument has a quiet, mellow tone that makes it unsuitable for large symphonies or concert halls. Like its cousins, the violin and cello, the bass viola is normally played with a bow. But, unlike the violin and cello, the bass viola can have up to seven strings, similar to a guitar. Unlike some of the higher violas, the bass viola cannot be played under the chin like a violin. Instead, the instrument should be held between the knees much like a small cello.

Things You'll Need

• Bow
• Rosin

Instructions

1. Remove the bass viola from its case. Inspect the instrument for damage and wear. Check the bridge and make sure that it is straight and perpendicular to the instrument.

2. Tune the strings. A four string bass viola will be tuned to D, A, C and E. A seven string bass viola is tuned to D, A, E, C, G, D and A. The six string bass viola omits the final A string.

3. Turn the peg on the bottom of the bow clockwise to tighten the horsehair. Run the block of rosin quickly along the length of the horsehair. Rosin makes the bow slightly sticky. When the bow is drawn across the string, the combination of the hair and the rosin causes the string to vibrate, creating the tone.

4. Place the bass viola between your knees. Make sure that the front of the instrument protrudes from between your knees. Cradle the back of the neck of the instrument in the palm of your left hand.

5. Stretch your fingers over the strings, pressing down on each string. Play the scale by holding a finger on each of the frets while pulling the bow over the strings. If the note is wrong, but the string is tuned correctly, check the frets. Unlike a guitar that has permanent frets, a bass viola's frets are pieces of gut that are tied at specific places on the neck of the instrument. These frets can loosen or shift during storage.

6. Pluck the string to check the resonance of the instrument. Hold the bow between the thumb and palm of your hand and pluck the string with your index finger. If the resonance sounds off, look through the holes in the body of the bass viola and check the sound post. This is a short wooden peg that is sandwiched between the front and back of the viola. Its placement changes the sound of the instrument. If it has become loose or has shifted, it must be repaired at a professional music repair center.

Tips & Warnings

• Like any musical instrument, mastery of the bass viola can take years of practice.

References

• National Music Museum: Bass Viola da Gamba, Antonio Stradivari Workshop
• Viola de Gamba Society of Greater New York: Care for Your Viola de Gamba