What is the main difference between the violin and the guitar?

Answer 1

Hi there,

There are several key differences between a guitar and a violin:

1. Scale length.

This means the length of the string. On most Guitars the scale length is between 24 and 26 inches, but this will vary slightly between different brands and styles of guitars.

On the other hand, a violin has a much shorter scale length of 12.8 inches - that is, the violin's strings are about half as long as the strings on a guitar. (obviously, since the violin is a much smaller instrument)

As a general rule, instruments with short strings play higher notes. Conversely, instruments with longer strings can play lower notes. Thus, a guitar can play much, much deeper notes than a violin. (Typically about 15 semi-tones lower)

2. Fretboard vs Fingerboard

A guitar usually has frets. A violin has no frets. This makes a large difference in the tonal qualities of the instruments.

3. Number of strings.

A standard guitar has 6 strings. A standard violin has 4 strings.

4. Method of playing.

Typically, a violin is played by drawing a resined bow across the strings to create a long, ringing, single note. (However, the violin can also be plucked with the finger to create a "ping" sound)

Guitars are usually strummed or picked. Bows are rarely used on guitars except as a novelty.

Similarly, a violin is played by placing it under the player's chin and supported on the player's choulder. A guitar is usually played at waist height, supported by the player's knee, or else held by a strap.

5. F-holes

Normal acoustic violins have 2 "f-holes" to allow the sound to exit the sound box of the violin. This gives the violin a distinctive tone or "sound"

A standard acoustic guitar has only one, large hole.

(However, there are quite a few guitars that have f-holes, so this is not always a difference)

5 Shape.

Violins and guitars come in all sorts of different shapes, but the classic violin shape and size is designed to promote and enhance certain harmonic tones produced by the string when they vibrate. Guitars' body shapes, apart from being much louder, can be quite different because a different tone is wanted with a guitar.
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Don't forget the similarities between the instruments:

Both are used extensively in both classical and modern music.

Both can come in acoustic (un-amplified), Semi-acoustic (amplified acoustic) and electric (must have an amplifier)

Both are string instruments.
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There are literally hundreds of other differences which aren't so obvious, depending on the type of violin and guitar. For example, there are differences in string gauges, string materials, types of wood, truss rods, finishes, and even the types of tuners used. After all, they are quite different instruments.

I hope this helps :)

Basis of knowledge: I play both the guitar and violin and also do some luthiering (guitar making)

Answer 2

The viola is tuned a fifth lower, lowest string is a C, an octave below middle C on the piano. The viola is also larger. The standard length of a full size violin is 14", while an adult sized viola is typically in the 15-17" range.