This part of our guide introduces two instruments with similar names, the viola and the viola da gamba.
The viola and the viola da gamba are distinct instruments. The viola belongs to the violin family and is played on the shoulder, while the viola da gamba (viol) is part of the older viol family, fretted like a guitar and played between the legs.
The viola emerged in Italy around the early 16th century, evolving from the viola da braccio (arm viola) tradition. It is the oldest member of the modern violin family, predating the violin and cello. Historically, the viola often played a supporting role in ensembles, providing harmonic depth rather than solo lines.
Slightly larger than the violin, the viola is typically 15-18 inches in body length. It is tuned in fifths (C-G-D-A), producing a darker, mellow timbre. They are built with spruce tops and maple backs and sides, featuring f-shaped sound holes.
Variants to the standard orchestral viola include the alto viola and experimental designs like the tenor viola or oversized violas for richer resonance.
The viola is played on the shoulder, supported by the chin and shoulder rests. Bowing technique emphasizes warm, sustained tones. The instrument is often used for inner harmonies in orchestral and chamber music, although modern repertoire includes solo works.
Five well-known viola players (violists) include Paul Hindemith (German), William Primrose (Scottish), Yuri Bashmet (Russian), Tabea Zimmermann (German), and Nobuko Imai (Japanese).
The viola da gamba originated in Spain in the 15th century, evolving from the vihuela (a plucked guitar-like instrument). The instrument spread across Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, and was especially popular in courts and salons. It declined in use after the 18th century as the violin family gained prominence, but was revived in the 20th century by early music specialists.
The viola da gamba is a fretted instrument, usually with six or seven strings tuned in fourths with a third in the middle, like a lute. It is played between the legs (da gamba), similar to the cello. It features a flat back, sloping shoulders, and decorative rosettes. Lower string tension gives it a delicate, resonant tone.
The instrument comes in different sizes: treble, tenor, and bass viols. The bass viol became the most prominent, used for solo and continuo roles.
When playing the viola da gamba, the bow is held underhand, producing a softer attack. Frets allow precise intonation and chordal playing. The instrument is often used for polyphonic textures and expressive solo works.
Five well-known viola da gamba players include Marin Marais (French), Carl Friedrich Abel (German), Jordi Savall (Catalan), Paolo Pandolfo (Italian), and Sarah Cunningham (American).
The viola and viola da gamba share a name but represent two different music traditions. The viola is a cornerstone of the modern orchestra, while the viola da gamba embodies the elegance of Renaissance and Baroque music. Together, they illustrate the evolution of bowed string instrument.
Online resources for either of these two instruments are featured below, while e-commerce sites offering instruments for sale may be found in our Musical Instruments category.
Recommended Resources
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the AVS was founded as the American Viola Research Society in 1971 as a subset of what is now the International Viola Society. The AVS publishes the "Journal of the American Viola Society" and sponsors the Primrose International Viola Competition, the Maurice Gardner Composition Competition, and the AVS Festival. Memberships, competitions, events, contact details, and an online shopping area are featured, along with links to other resources.
https://www.americanviolasociety.org/
Founded in 1968 as the Viola-Forschungsgesellschaft, the IVS is an international organization dedicated to viola players. It is currently based in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, and sponsors annual International Viola Congresses. It consists of several national sections around the world and also presents several awards for excellence in areas related to the viola. Congresses, competitions, a calendar of events, IVS sections, media, and contact details are provided.
https://www.internationalviolasociety.com/
Formed in 2019, SoCal Viols is the Southern California chapter of the Viola da Gamba Society of America. This non-profit organization promotes education and enjoyment of the viola da gamba and early music (viols). Its mission is to promote the education and enjoyment of the instrument and its music, as well as to offer chapter events, concerts, workshops, and opportunities for involvement in early music performance and study. Membership information and contacts are posted.
https://www.socalviols.com/
Viola da Gamba Society of America
The VdGSA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the viola da gamba, other early bowed string instruments, and their music through education, performance, scholarship, and activities. The Society publishes a journal and other materials that document research, performance practice, and repertoire for the viol. Members include players, publishers, composers, scholars, restorers, and enthusiasts of early bowed strings. Regional chapters are tied to the national mission.
https://www.vdgsa.org/
Viola Online offers free viola sheet music and online viola lessons for people of all ages, along with resources on technique, tuning, bowing, scales, etudes, and practice tools. Key sections include viola basics (how to hold, tune, bow, and care for the viola), downloadable and printable sheet music, a self-guided course surveying eras and styles, and several seasonal pieces. An online shopping area features instruments, accessories, books, and sheet music.
https://violaonline.com/
Viola Vs Violin - Differences, Similarities, History, and More
SoundscapeHQ's article on the viola and the violin describes the similarities and differences between the viola and the violin. It is an informational, consumer-facing guide comparing the two instruments, such as their size and shape, range and sound, playing techniques, and how the viola is larger and deeper in tone, while the violin is smaller and brighter, although both are bowed instruments with four strings, using similar bowing technique, and sharing musical notation systems.
https://soundscapehq.com/viola-vs-violin/
Also known as the European Viola da Gamba Network, Violanet is a European network of universities and higher music education institutes that promotes the exchange of teaching methods, research, and the dissemination of viola da gamba music. Its website features a catalog of viol music, research tools for scholars and students, and various learning materials, including instructional and performance videos embedded on the platform, along with special collections.
https://www.violadagambanetwork.eu/
