Upper strings without a bow

The violin and the viola are practically identical to the naked eye. However, there are a few differences. Here are some ways you can tell one from the other:


 * Check the label inside the instrument.
 * It might say what it is. "Violin" and "Geige" mean it's a violin. "Viola" and "Bratsche" mean it's a viola.
 * If the label indicates the size, a fraction (4/4, 3/4, etc) or a word ("full size", "quarter size") indicate it's a violin. A viola would be described by its length, usually in inches. A small viola might be 14" or 15", though most are 17" or more.


 * If you are watching the instrument in an orchestra, the violin players typically sit on your left, and the viola players sit on the right, next to the cello players. There are usually at least two violin sections, so from left to right you would see the first violins, second violins, violas, and cellos.


 * If you are listening, see if the instrument plays in the lower range. The viola is able to play a fifth lower than the violin. The lowest string is the string on the musician's left side.


 * Unfortunately, the physical size of each instrument can vary, and a small viola may be smaller than a large violin. However, the viola is usually larger than the violin.