Viola

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A viola is a musical instrument which is similar to the violin and cello. The viola sounds lower than a violin, but it sounds higher than a cello. It has four strings, called the C, G, D, and A strings.The highest note is G, or at a stretch A. It is plucked or played with a bow.

When people see the viola, sometimes they think it is a violin. This is because the viola is only a little larger than a violin. It is also because the sound of the viola is only five notes lower than the sound of the violin. Also, similar to violin players, viola players put their instrument on their left shoulder. The biggest difference between the viola and the violin is the different timbre. Even though the viola and violin can play many of the same notes, they each have a special sound quality. Sometimes people describe the viola's sound as more "dark", "earthy", or "mellow" than the violin's sound.

People who write music often use the viola for harmony notes. Although they are used for harmony they can also be used for many kinds of solos and duets.