The cello is simply a big-sized violin, right?
Well, not quite. The two instruments may have fairly similar structures. But this doesn’t mean that they’re one and the same thing.
These string instruments differ significantly both in their size, and the music they produce. have you been wondering whether to choose the violin or cello?
Well, here's a detailed overview of the cello vs violin.
What is a Cello?
This musical tool is known by two names. The first is “violoncello” and it’s the full name while “cello” is the most commonly used name.
A cello has specific traits that are used to identify them. For one, it has a hollow wooden body containing two sound holes.
It also has four tuning pegs at its tailpiece and four strings that run all along its body and neck. The strings are usually tuned starting from low to high notes as follows: C2, G2, D3, and A3.
Put simply, this instrument is tuned from the thickest to the thinnest string. Each of these strings is an octave lower than the other. If you're new to cellos, investing in fine tuners makes this tuning process incredibly easier. Check out some of the best cello fine tuners here.
Also crucial to note is that it's quite big in size with a weight ranging between 5 and 7 pounds. Taking this into account, the easiest way to play music on a cello is from a seated position (see the best cello chairs) with its body placed in between a cellist’s legs.
To facilitate this, modern-day cellos are fitted with endpins. A cello endpin is a spike-like structure that supports the cello when it’s placed on the floor.
Originally, cellos served a complementary role in that they were used alongside other musical instruments.
Pros
Versatility
Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous musical pieces that you can learn to play on a cello. Sure, a violin offers a wider range of options. But this doesn’t mean that there’s a shortage of them when it comes to cellos.
See some of the best cello concertos here.
Higher Demand for a Cellist
There’s no denying that violins are more popular than cellos. Because of this, there are fewer people willing to learn music using cello. This creates a high demand for cellists as they are rarer to find.
Orchestra
A cellist rarely ever misses a spot in an orchestra. In fact, most orchestras have between 8 and 12 cellists playing at any one time. And the best part? It is usually played sitting.
Resonance
Many musicians are able to relate more with the cello's lower register than the violin's higher one.
Cons
Bulky
One of the biggest complaints from players is the size of the instrument. They’re almost twice as big as violins, which makes portability an issue.
Expensive
Given their gigantic sizes, it comes as no surprise that they’re also more costly than other string instruments.
What is a Violin?
Also referred to as a fiddle, a violin is one of the most popular chordophones (string instruments), and it’s usually played with a bow.
Compared to other chordophones, violins are pretty small. This allows them to generate higher-pitched sounds. It’s often associated with the rebab- a three-stringed instrument that hails from North Africa.
Initially, violins were mainly used as accompaniments to dancing and singing. But nowadays, they’re also used in classical solo performances and they take center stage in orchestras.
For musicians looking to learn, they might be curious about how a violin is held. Well, it’s usually held under one’s chin. This allows you to position the fingers on your left hand to press the strings at the neck of the violin. The result is that the instrument produces tunes of different pitches.
Pros
More Compact
If you like to play music but don't like hauling around a heavy piece of equipment, a violin is your best chance.
Cheaper
Violins are also one of the cheapest string instruments. If you’re buying a violin for a younger player, you can get one for as little as $50 and up to $500 for a more advanced violin.
Diverse Repertoire
One reason why violins are sometimes preferred to cellos is that they offer a more extensive repertoire, with numerous options for both ensemble and solo performances. Check out our article on the best violin concertos.
Cons
Competition
Because they’re more popular than cellos, violinists encounter pretty stiff competition in the music industry. You may not experience as much difficult getting a spot in the second violin section. But if you prefer a higher ranking in the ensemble or orchestra, you'll have to put it in more effort.
Practical Disadvantages
Learning to hold and play the violin correctly is a bit of a learning curve.
Similarities Between the Cello and Violin
Now, there aren't too many similarities between the violin and the cello. The main similarity is the fact that playing music on either one requires the use of bows.
Also, these instruments have a crucial role in a string quartet. A quartet is made of four musicians, each one playing an instrument that's part of the string family.
Traditionally, this group has always comprised of two violins, the cello, and viola. It's important to note that this ensemble cannot be complete without any of these musical instruments.
This is because the violin quartet sounds will sound different from the viola, cello and vice versa. To be specific, violins play highest notes, the viola plays the middle-range notes while cellos produce the lowest notes.
It can also be said both the violin and cello are more difficult to learn than other musical instruments, such as a piano.
In the case of this instrument, you get the desired notes each time you press on a key. So all you need to master is your right- and left-handed coordination whereby the right hand is used for melody whereas the opposite hand plays the bassline.
When it comes to a violin or cello, musicians have to memorize the specific finger combinations that produce a given note.
Differences Between the Cello and Violin
While they’re both string instruments, there are significant differences between them such as:
Size
One thing that can help you distinguish the violin or cello has to do with their sizes with the violin being the smaller instrument.
To put things into perspective, full-size cellos are about 28 inches long. This is merely the length of its back, exclusive of the neck and case.
If you factor in the two elements, you’re looking at an instrument that’s well over a meter long. By comparison, a full-size violin is only about 14 inches long.
Playing Position
Another thing you’ll want to think about when choosing between a violin and cello is the posture or position you'll need to create music using either instrument.
To create music with a violin, place it between the chin and shoulder. Conversely, a cello is positioned upright between the player’s knees, allowing the endpin to come into contact with the floor.
In summary, violinists hold the violin horizontally while cellists hold the cello vertically.
Sound/ String Tuning
One notable difference between the violin or cello is the type of sound produced by each instrument.
A violin produces sound that mimics the human voice. This is achieved by either drawing a bow against the strings or plucking them with your finger.
When it comes to cello, the sound is generated by way of plucking the strings- a technique known as pizzicato. This results in a richer and deeper sound, fairly similar to what a double bass sounds.
Taking these sound differences into account, the violin is often used to perform melodic as well as virtuous high pitches. On the other hand, the cello is great for the lower tones that form the base for the violins.
The differences in sound aren't too surprising considering the structure of their strings is also different. Cello strings are not only longer but also have a thicker diameter. Contrary, violin strings are shorter and thinner.
Portability
As we mentioned earlier, cellos are much larger than their violin counterparts. Taking this into account, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that cellos are also heavier.
To be specific, a cello’s weight ranges between 5 and 7 pounds while that of a violin averages 1 pound.
So if you’re looking for a musical instrument that you can easily carry- especially if you're using public transport - the violin is your best bet. Not only is it lighter but it’s also more compact. This makes it comfortable to carry either on your back or shoulder.
Difficulty in Learning
If you're not sure of whether to buy the violin or cello, consider the difficulty of learning each one. Ask yourself, “Which one is easier to learn?”
The truth is that both instruments are equally difficult to learn. If you want to be able to use either of them perfectly, embrace the fact that this will require time and devotion. You can even take up private lessons and learn from a professional.
That said, most people find the cello a tad easier to play. This stems from the fact that the playing and hand positions feel more natural when you’re playing the cello.
When it comes to playing the violin, the ideal posture is to hold it on your left shoulder - if you’re right-handed.
This causes the strings to face upwards with the bow in your right hand. For left-handed people, you’ll hold it in the opposite direction, meaning the violin will be sitting on your right shoulder and the bow in your left hand. Unfortunately, this posture leaves very little room for adjustments.
With a cello, you’re free to try out different positions. You can opt for a seated or upright playing position; whichever you’re comfortable with. However, keep in mind that reaching more notes with a cello will require learning up to three clefs instead of one.
Price
If you're yet to make a decision between the two instruments, the cost will likely be the deciding factor. On that note, a violin is far much cheaper than a cello, regardless of whether you're buying an entry-level or advanced model.
Who is the Cello Best For?
The cello is the right instrument for a musician looking to produce low, rich notes.
Similarly, if you’re looking for a string instrument that’s not difficult to learn, the cello is an excellent choice. The manner in which it’s held feels more natural than when you're playing the violin. This, in turn, helps you learn the playing technique faster.
Who is the Violin Best For?
If you’re a young musician looking to learn a new skill, a violin is the best option. It’s light and compact, which makes it a lot easier to carry to your practice sessions. The fact that it’s smaller also allows it to produce a more expansive range of sounds.
Also, if you’re looking to produce high-pitched notes or sound that mimics the human voice, a violin is the perfect string instrument to use.
FAQs
Is it easier to play violin or cello?
Based on experiences from individuals who’ve played both instruments, a cello is easier to learn. This is based on the fact that it’s held in a more natural position. Though it's easier, note that you may have to learn three clefs to be able to reach more notes.
When you first learn violin, you'll find its playing position a little uncomfortable. But you'll get used to it over time.
How is the cello different from the violin?
When it comes to physical appearances, the biggest difference between them is that a cello is bigger than a violin. But with regards to the type of sound they produce, a cello generates a low-pitched note while a violin generates a high-pitched one.
Can violinists play cello?
To put it bluntly, just because you know how to play the violin doesn’t automatically mean that you can play cello. The two instruments aren’t exactly identical.
However, the fact that you play the violin means you have a solid foundation for learning how to play the cello. Still, we recommend signing up for some private lessons so that you can learn to play each instrument correctly. See our recommended cello online lessons for some great choices.
How many strings does a violin have?
A violin has four and these are usually tuned in fifths, namely G3, D4, A4, E5.
The most common way to play this instrument is by drawing a bow across them. However, you can also pluck the strings using your fingers or strike them using the wooden side of the bow.
For more information check out our guide on the best violin strings.
How many strings does a cello have?
A cello has four and they're also tuned in fifths. However, these strings follow a different sequence, which is, C-G-D-A. The C string contains the lowest note whereas the A string contains the highest.
Conclusion
Cello vs violin - two of the most popular musical equipment in the string instrument family.
While they share a few similarities, they differ in significant ways. For instance, both the violin and the cello require a bow. But, the actual technique for playing music using either of them is quite different.
The violin and cello also differ in how they sound. People play the cello when they're looking to produce those deeper lower tones whereas the violin is ideal for producing higher pitches.
