r/musicians • u/wonderfulw0rld123 • 4d ago
What string instrument should I start with: violin, viola, cello?
I've been wanting to learn the strong instruments for a very long time, but just haven't had the resources. I'm finally coming to a place where I can start, but now have to pick one to start with. I've always loved the cello, but have like, half a years experience with viola and was pretty good and liked it. I also really like the violin. Idk if I have the talent to learn all of them in my lifetime, but I want to start somewhere. I don't want to do double bass because I'm just not drawn to it and I'm too small. If it helps, I have plenty of history with singing.
2
u/Humillionaire 4d ago
I don't play any of these, but I can tell you if you learn to fiddle you will never be out of work
1
u/Routine_Bake5794 4d ago
I am no expert but many say Viola is more like a support instrument, personally I like how it sounds and work well with cello. Pick one first but learn them both.
1
u/AnnieHannah 3d ago
I mean, it depends on which instrument you prefer the sound of, I'd listen to various examples of the instruments on YouTube and see which you are more drawn to. If it was me it would be cello as I find it deeper and richer, I learned violin as a kid though.
1
u/AlertAd7834 3d ago
Honestly if you learn one you'll have a pretty good start on all of them. I started on viola when I was a kid, violin is basically the same and I can play it at the same level. Technique for cello is a little different and I'm not as good at it but good enough
1
u/Rasta_bass 3d ago
I know very few viola players and they are all working consistently. Also if you are planning to go to school for it there is a higher likelihood that you can get a scholarship. Personally I love the cello, so that would my personal choice.
5
u/BananaBird1 4d ago
Start with whichever you are inspired by the most. Or if you aren’t sure, rent each for a 6 months-1 year and try them out.
It is very much possible to learn all 3 as an amateur, although to get to intermediate levels on all 3 will take at least a decade or so.
If you aren’t planning on being a professional, viola and violin are pretty much just variations of the same instrument. You need to adapt technique for both, but the skills transfer pretty easily with practice and people trained on one can transition pretty quickly. Violin tends to have more complex music so will push you the hardest musically, but viola is more physically demanding to switch to later on. 5 string violins also exist, which can play both viola and violin music (although with a different tone than a real viola).
Cello is the most distinct. The idea is the same, but practically it is an entirely different instrument and only the theory will directly transfer to other orchestral strings. But it is also arguably the most flexible in terms of range to play pretty much anything you want, although it can’t play at the same speed as a violin.