Open String A special timbre results from playing a note without touching its string with a finger, thus sounding the lowest note on that string. Vibrato can be difficult to learn and may take a student several months, if not years, to master. Violin students, especially of beginner level, are taught to use it only on extended notes and or during points of emotional tension. Vibrato does little if anything to disguise an out-of-tune note. Violinists oscillate backwards, or lower in pitch from the actual note when using vibrato, since aural perception favors the highest pitch in a varying sound. A well-made violin virtually points its sound pattern in different directions depending on slight variations in pitch. The acoustic effect of vibrato has largely to do with adding interest and warmth to the sound, in the form of a shimmer created by the variations in projection of strongest sound. Vibrato is often perceived to create a more emotional sound, and it is employed heavily in music of the Romantic era. By employing these different techniques both the speed and amplitude of vibrato oscillations can be varied for musical effect. There are several different styles of vibrato ranging from the use of just the fingers, to the use of the wrist or even the whole forearm. Mechanically, it is achieved by fingertip movements which alter the length of the vibrating string. Vibrato Vibrato is a technique of the left hand and arm in which the pitch of a note varies in a pulsating rhythm. While sometimes also called a double stop, it is more properly called a drone, as the drone note (the open string) may be sustained for a passage of different notes played on the adjacent string. Sounding an open string alongside a fingered note is another way to get a harmony. Collectively, double, triple and quadruple stopping is called multiple stopping. Double stopping is also used to mean playing on three or all four strings at once, although such practices are more properly called triple or quadruple stopping. Sometimes moving to a higher position is necessary for the left hand to be able to reach both notes at once. This is more difficult than normal single-string playing, as fingers must be accurately placed on two strings simultaneously. Techniques Left Hand Techniques Double Stopping Double stopping is when stopped notes are played on two adjacent strings, producing a two-note harmony. These mutes are used to drastically reduce the volume when practicing where others can be disturbed. Sharing the same name but with a completely different purpose, massive metal, rubber, or wooden 'practice mutes' or 'hotel mutes' are available. (The instruction to take off the mute is senza sord., sometimes marked just senza or ' ohne Dämpfer' in German.) In French, instruction is given for application of mutes at the beginning of muted passages, 'mettez les sourdines', and for removal at the end 'ôtez les sourdines'. Parts to be played muted are marked con sord., for the Italian sordino or occasionally mit Dämpfer in German. Mutes are mostly used in orchestras with the entire string section playing with mutes, resulting in a soft, hushed sound quality. In performances, it may give a desired dulled effect. This tone can be adjusted through mechanical means (string choice, viola and bow construction) or through the various techniques available to the violist.Īttaching a small rubber, wooden, or metal device called a 'mute' to the bridge of the viola alters the tone, softening the instrument's sound by adding mass to the bridge and so reducing its ability to vibrate freely, decreasing volume and giving a more mellow tone, with fewer audible overtones. The viola has a more mellow sound than that of the violin, and can sound darker in the lower registers. For non-western variants and tuning possibilites refer to Wikipedia. The technique of scordatura allows this fundamental tuning to be changed in certain works or styles. This gives the instrument the Open Strings of C3-G3-D4-A4, a fifth lower than the strings of a violin. The compass of the viola is from C3 (C an octave below middle C) to E6 (3 and 1/3 octaves.) The top notes, however, are often produced by natural or artificial harmonics.Ĭonventional western tuning of a viola is based on A4(440Hz) and is in fifths. Because of it's larger size and altered proportions, the viola has a range which is both lower and narrower than that of the violin.

Viola tuner settings