You know that the violin, viola, and cello are the main string instruments in the orchestra. Perhaps you or your child would love to learn to play one of them, but if you had to identify them by their looks or sound, you might not be sure you could tell them apart.
If you’re deciding between a cello vs. viola, you may also be wondering how each compares to the violin, whether one is easier to learn, or which instrument is the best choice for a beginner.
Understanding what makes each string instrument unique can help you choose the right one for you or your children. Each instrument has its own size, sound, and playing style, which may suit different musical interests and goals.
In this article, we’ll explain how the cello and viola compare, how they’re different from the violin, and help you determine which one is the best fit for your musical interests and goals.
Table of Contents
- Viola vs. Cello: What’s the Difference?
- Is the Cello or Viola Harder to Learn?
- Violin vs. Viola vs. Cello: How Do They Compare?
- Which Orchestral String Instrument Is Right for You?
- 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Violin, Viola, and Cello
- Frequently Asked Questions About Orchestral String Instruments
- Learn To Play the Violin, Viola, or Cello at Northwest School of Music
Viola vs. Cello: What’s the Difference?
When comparing a viola vs. cello, the main differences come down to their size, pitch, playing position, and musical role. The cello is much larger, is played while seated with the instrument resting on the floor, and produces a deep, rich sound that often supports the lower harmonies in an ensemble.
The viola is smaller, is held under the chin like a violin, and has a warm, mellow tone that fills the middle range of the orchestra.
Understanding the difference between a viola and a cello can help you narrow your options before comparing orchestral string instruments in more detail to determine which instrument best suits your musical interests and goals.
Is the Cello or Viola Harder to Learn?
Both instruments have their own challenges, but neither one is truly harder to learn. The right choice depends on your age, comfort, musical interests, and what you want to achieve. With good instruction, beginners can do well on either instrument.
The cello is a large instrument and takes up more space, but many beginners enjoy playing it because you can sit down while playing, which often feels more comfortable. The viola is smaller than the cello and is held under your chin like a violin, but it is bigger than a violin and has wider finger spacing, which some students find challenging.
No matter which instrument you choose, a good teacher can help you learn more easily and develop good habits from the beginning. If you’re ready to get started, Northwest School of Music has skilled teachers who help beginners feel confident and enjoy their lessons right from the start.
Violin vs. Viola vs. Cello: How Do They Compare
To better highlight the differences between the violin, viola, and cello, let’s look briefly at their similarities:
- They are all stringed instruments.
- They are all played with a bow or can be played by plucking the strings.
- They have similar body shapes.
- They share some of the same strings (D, G, and A).
- The body of each instrument is hollow to allow the sound to resonate.
- They have the same basic parts, including strings, bridges, fingerboards, scrolls, tuning pegs, and tailpieces.
Though these three instruments are similar in many ways, they also differ in some significant ways. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Type of Strings
The violin, viola, and cello have four strings that vibrate to produce the sound. Strings are characterized in three ways:
- The pitch that sounds when the string is plucked or played with a bow
- The length of the strings; and
- The thickness of the strings
Let’s look at each instrument according to these characteristics.
- The violin has four strings with the pitches E, A, D, and G. The E string is the highest pitch, and the G string is the lowest pitch. Violin strings are the shortest and thinnest of the three instruments and thus have a higher-pitched sound. The violin strings of a 4/4 violin are 32.5 cm long. The thickness, also known as the gauge, varies between light, medium, and heavy. A thicker string produces more volume and a deeper sound, while a thin string produces a higher and brighter sound.
- The viola also has four strings but with different pitches than the violin. The viola strings are C, G, D, and A (with no E string). On a viola, the A string is the highest, and the C string is the lowest. Viola strings are between 37 and 38 cm long, and like the violin, thicknesses vary from light to heavy.
- The cello also has the same four strings as the viola, but they are pitched an octave lower. Like the other two instruments, the thickness of the strings varies, but cellos have the longest strings at around 70 cm.
Instrument Size
The most noticeable difference between these three instruments is their size.
The violin is the smallest instrument, and the cello is the largest. The viola is somewhere between the violin and the cello, but is much closer in size to the violin.
- Violins range in size depending on the size of the person playing them. They come in eight main sizes (from smallest to largest):
- 1/16
- 1/10
- 1/8
- 1/4
- 1/2
- 3/4
- 4/4
The body of the smallest violin (1/16) measures 9 inches, while the body of the 4/4 violin measures 23-23.5 inches long.
- Violas are generally 1 to 5 inches longer than violins. The standard viola body size is 16 inches long, but violas are also made at lengths of 13, 14, and 15 inches.
- A full-size adult cello measures 48 inches tall and is also available in five smaller sizes for junior students:
- 3/4
- 1/2
- 1/4
- 1/8
- 1/10
- 1/16
Instrument Sound
In addition to other factors, the size of the instrument affects its sound. Shorter instruments have higher sounds, while larger instruments have lower sounds.
The sound of a violin may be described as bright, warm, rich, or smooth. Though the violin and viola are similar in appearance, the larger viola body and thicker strings give it a dark, full, warm, and robust sound. The timbre of the cello is even lower than the viola but has a full, rich, and vibrant sound.
Because of the sound and tones each instrument produces, music written for these instruments is written in a different clef:
- Violin music is written in the treble clef.
- Viola music is written in the alto clef.
- Cello music is written in the bass clef.
Design
The violin, viola, and cello share a similar design. Each instrument has the following parts:
- Neck
- Fingerboard
- Body
- Pegbox and pegs
- Scroll
- F-holes
- Bridge
- Tailpiece
- Strings
The difference in these parts for each instrument is their size. The neck of a cello will be longer and wider than that of the viola and violin.
Though they share many similarities, there are two important design differences between these instruments: the chin rest and the end pin.
Both the violin and viola have a chin rest, which the cello doesn’t need.
Additionally, all three instruments have an end pin, sometimes called an end button on the violin, which holds the tailpiece in place. However, the end pin does more than hold the tailpiece in place on the cello. It also lengthens to rest on the floor to support the weight of the instrument.
Instrument and Hand Placement
As mentioned before, the violin, viola, and cello can be played by either running the bow across the strings or plucking them with the fingers.
The violin and cello are played by placing the instrument between the shoulder and the chin, while the cello is played by placing the instrument between the musician’s knees.
Hand placement is also different for these instruments. The violin and viola are held the same way with the same hand placement. The lower bout (the widest part of the instrument) of the violin and viola is held near the shoulder/chin, while the fingers hold the neck of the violin away from the body.
The cello is held in essentially the opposite direction. The lower bout of the cello is pointed toward the floor, while the neck of the cello is held near the shoulder.
Now that you know the differences between the violin, viola, and cello, it’s time to choose the one that suits you best. At Northwest School of Music, we offer personalized lessons for all ages to help you build confidence and improve your skills. Get in touch with us to find out more or to book your first lesson.
Which Orchestral String Instrument Is Right for You?
Choosing which instrument to play can be challenging. When deciding between the viola vs. violin vs. cello, the right choice depends on several personal factors.
Consider these four tips when choosing which instrument to start with.
4 Factors To Consider When Choosing Between the Violin, Viola, and Cello
#1: Cost
Violins, violas, and cellos can vary vastly in cost depending on the brand and materials used.
In general, because they are smaller instruments, violins tend to be cheaper than cellos.
If your budget is really tight, starting with a lower-end instrument, whether it’s a violin, viola, or cello, may be the way to go.
As you progress in your skills, you’ll probably want to consider spending a little more on a higher-end instrument. If you play professionally someday, you’ll undoubtedly spend even more money on a professional-grade instrument.
In general, you can expect the costs of these string instruments to look something like this:
- Violin: $50–500 for a children’s violin and $600–5,000 for an advanced player’s violin
- Viola: $300–500 for mass-produced violas and $1,500–10,000 for advanced violas
- Cello: $300–1,200 for beginner cellos and $2,500–10,000 for advanced cellos
#2: Size of the Student
As mentioned above, these three instruments come in a variety of sizes, with some that are very small for young children.
If a small child wants to learn the viola, they could always start with a violin that has viola strings until they are old enough and big enough to make the switch.
Students will also want to consider whether they are willing to lug a big instrument, like a cello, with them when they go to lessons and concerts.
In the end, the size of the student or the size of the instrument shouldn’t stop them from choosing to play what they love.
Our teachers at the Northwest School of Music can help you choose an instrument size that’s most appropriate for your size, age, and skill level.
#3: Competitiveness
The level of competition among the violin, viola, and cello is also something to consider when choosing which instrument to play.
If you hope to perform in a school, community, or professional orchestra, it’s worth understanding how opportunities can vary between instruments. Violins are the most popular string instrument, so there are generally more players competing for positions, especially at advanced and professional levels.
At the same time, violin sections are much larger than viola or cello sections, with both first and second violin parts. Viola and cello sections are smaller, which means there are fewer available seats even though there are typically fewer players competing for them.
Outside of orchestra settings, both the violin and cello are popular solo instruments, creating additional competition for auditions, scholarships, and performance opportunities. Ultimately, the level of competition depends on the setting, but it’s helpful to understand how demand and available positions differ among the three instruments.
#4: Sound
Surely you’ve been to an orchestra concert and have been enamored by the sounds of each of these instruments.
You’ve heard the violins play fast, lively pieces while also playing soft, controlled high notes.
Perhaps you’ve been swept away by the rich, full sound of the viola section as they get their moment in the limelight.
And maybe you’ve closed your eyes as you’ve listened to the low, deep tones of the cello section or a beautiful cello solo.
When choosing which instrument to play, the student should consider the sound of the instrument and which one they like the best. If they prefer the high tones, they may want to choose the violin, but if they love the more robust tones, they may want to give the viola or cello a try.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchestral String Instruments
Can You Switch From the Cello to the Viola?
Many musicians play more than one string instrument, so moving from the cello to the viola is definitely possible.
The two instruments belong to the same family and share some techniques, but they differ in size, how you hold them, their range, and their roles in a group. Because of these differences, it will take some time to adjust to new posture, hand positions, and techniques.
Working with a good teacher can help make the transition easier and boost your confidence along the way.
Do the Cello and Viola Read the Same Sheet Music?
Not usually.
The viola mostly uses the alto clef, while the cello mainly uses the bass clef and sometimes switches to tenor or treble clef for higher notes.
Because of these differences, music written for one instrument often needs to be transposed before it can be played on the other.
Learning to read the right clefs is a key part of getting comfortable with either instrument, and a teacher can guide you as you learn to read music for your chosen instrument.
Are Stringed Instruments, Like the Viola, Violin, and Cello, Good Choices for Children?
Yes!
Children can learn to play the violin, viola, and cello. Each of these instruments comes in various sizes for children of different ages.
Very young children may find it easier to begin with the violin because of its smaller size. Though children may start string lessons at different ages, many instructors recommend starting cello, viola, and violin lessons between the ages of five and seven.
Are the Viola, Violin, and Cello Similar Enough That You Can Learn How to Play Them All?
Because the violin, viola, and cello are relatively similar, it is possible to learn how to play them all.
The violin and viola are held and played the same way, making it easier to switch between the two. Though the cello is held differently, there are still enough similarities that make it possible to rotate among the three instruments.
When you become proficient at one instrument, it’s much easier to learn how to play another string instrument, though you’ll probably always be more confident with the one you learned to play first.
The biggest challenge to switching instruments may be learning how to play on a different clef.
If you’ve played the violin for five years and are used to reading music on the treble clef, switching to the bass clef for the cello may be a challenge, not to mention the alto clef for the viola.
Where Can I Learn To Play the Violin, Viola, or Cello?
You can learn to play the violin, viola, or cello in several ways. School-age children might join a school orchestra or music program. Both kids and adults can take private lessons, join group classes, or attend community music schools. Working with an experienced teacher helps you develop good technique and move forward at your own pace.
At Northwest School of Music, we offer violin, viola, and cello lessons all year for students of any age or skill level. Whether you are just starting out or want to improve your skills, our teachers are here to help you reach your musical goals.
Learn To Play the Violin, Viola, or Cello at Northwest School of Music
Once you’ve chosen the right string instrument, the next step is learning to play it with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or want to sharpen your skills on a current instrument, Northwest School of Music has qualified and experienced instructors who provide personalized music lessons for students of all ages. We also offer flexible, month-to-month lessons with no large upfront fees, contracts, huge materials fees, or semester minimums.
Northwest School of Music offers lessons for a variety of instruments and musical interests, including:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Piano
- Guitar
- Ukulele
- Drums
- Bass Guitar
- Voice
- Choir
- Kindermusik
We keep our students motivated by being the only music school in Oregon to offer the patented Musical Ladder System. Learning an instrument has never been so much fun! Register today to schedule your free introductory lesson and start building your musical skills with the support of our experienced instructors.
