Why Does Bowed String Instrument Size Matter?

For a given instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass is more complicated), the tuning of a fractional size instrument (1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 are commonly seen, 7/8 used to be frequently called "lady's cello") is always the same as the full size instrument.viola is a bit complicated because professionals have different sizes (15', 16', sometimes 17' for body length, remove about one inch for string length), so that one refers to the body length and string length (the last one being the more important for buying strings). A good rule for chosing one's viola size is : are you able to confortably stop on each string the first tone after the empty string with the index as well as the fifth interval with your little finger ? (For the A-string : try to stop a B and a E, for the C-string : try to stop a D and a G).The size matters for the sound, but a lot less than the quality of construction. A good violin maker will change the internal measurements, the position of the f-holes, to maintain the best body resonance for the intended tuning. I have played several good 1/2 cellos that sounded a lot better and more powerful than ordinary full size ones.The only reason to buy a fractional size is the age and body measurements of the player, not the sound. Also make sure that the player will have time to play and study say two years on this instrument. This is not about economy, just so that he/she will develop enough is ear and finger skills, so that the transition to a larger one will be really easy.

1. What string-instrument learning strategy should I use?

I would go with acoustic first, and I am going to suggest that. It's always good to learn acoustic, but I guess learning the electric guitar does not make a difference. For me, I think maybe learning the acoustic guitar is a better idea, and maybe it will make learning the electric guitar easier. But if you want to pick electric first, pick electric. I am just saying what I would do... Hope this helps!

2. What is the best string instrument for a tall teenager to play ?

im a tall teen and i play guitar and violin and piano

3. Another question regarding sheet music - piano vs violin or other string instrument

This is a four-voice arrangement in typical hymn tune style. It is primarily designed to be sung by a four-part (soprano/alto/tenor/bass) choir. It is playable on piano, but is not in a particularly idiomatic style for keyboard. Yes, the melody is in the top voice. This is what a violin would probably play. In the simplest 'church band' other instruments might support the alto, tenor or bass lines. Or maybe all the singers could take the melody, and a more interesting arrangement could be devised.

4. What is the name of a string instrument that is usually played with picks worn on the index and Thumb?

I've always thought guitar players are hot. But as I've gotten older (in my 30's) I've found piano players to be incredibly sexy. There's something really sexually intense about a man who can manipulate a musical instrument.

5. i want to learn string instrument but i can't choose between Cello and Violin?

My personal opinion: choose the cello. The cello has the most expressive voice of all the string instruments (again, my personal opinion only)! Also, every kid and their sister plays violin, but cello is not so common, so your opportunities to shine are that much better. Either way, enjoy your music! Good luck.

6. Why don't some or most people not like violas, the string instrument?

In a band, the equivalent to the viola is the horn. Interestingly, the viola can be thought of as a violin in F, which is the same key a horn is tuned to. However, the violist reads off an alto clef, which no other musician is normally expected to read fluently. Because of the difficulties in instructing viola students, they receive less attention from many directors who have troubles reading the alto clef. Horns, on the other hand, require the tightest embouchure of all the brass instruments and are considered quite difficult to play. Because of these disadvantages, these musicians are the unfortunate butt of music jokes because others perceive them to be less intelligent.