Viola

The viola is a string instrument that is played with a bow or pizzicato. It is slightly larger than a violin and has a lower and deeper sound. It is the middle or alto voice of the violin family, between the violin (which is tuned a perfect fifth above) and the cello (which is tuned an octave below). The strings from low to high are typically tuned to C₃, G₃, D₄ and A₄. The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola’s body is between 38 and 46 cm [15–18 in]), with an average length of 41 cm (16 in). Music that is written for the viola differs from that of most other instruments as it primarily uses the alto clef, which is otherwise rarely used.