Wiktor Wise
The five-string violin, a variant of the standard violin, includes a lower C string in addition to the G, D, A, and E strings. The five-string violin was created to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola, allowing players to cover both violin and viola parts. Electric five-string violins are popular because they have a richer, darker tone across the range and do not rely on acoustics. However, some violinists may find the wider necks and narrower string spacings uncomfortable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of strings | 5 |
| String notes | E, A, D, G, C |
| String order | Descending 5ths |
| Tone | Richer, darker |
| Neck width | Wider |
| String spacing | Narrower |
| Body size | Bigger |
| Weight | Heavier |
| Use case | Non-classical genres |
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What You'll Learn
The fifth string allows violinists to cover viola parts
The fifth string on a five-string violin allows violinists to cover viola parts. The five-string violin was created to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola. The standard violin's G, D, A, and E strings are augmented on a five-string violin by a lower C string. This addition extends the violin's range to include lower notes, allowing violinists to play parts that would typically require a viola.
The five-string violin's expanded range offers greater versatility for musicians. Violinists can use their instrument to cover viola parts in various settings, from school orchestras to chamber music performances. This versatility is especially useful when a violist is absent or unavailable, as the five-string violin can convincingly fill their role. Additionally, teachers find it advantageous for demonstrating violin, viola, and cello parts (an octave higher) to their students.
The fifth string's contribution to the violin's range enhances its overall tone. The lower C string adds a richer, darker tone across the instrument's range, creating a unique and appealing sound that many players appreciate. This tonal quality, resulting from the extra mass of the wider neck and the sympathetic resonance of the extra lower string, contributes to the popularity of five-string violins among electric violin players.
While the fifth string offers extended range and tonal benefits, it also presents some challenges. The geometry of five-string violins differs from their four-string counterparts, with wider necks and narrower string spacings. These differences can make playing the instrument more difficult, especially for those with larger fingers or those accustomed to intricate chord playing. As a result, some violinists opt for four-string instruments that align with their comfort and playing style.
Overall, the fifth string on a five-string violin enables violinists to cover viola parts by extending the instrument's range and enhancing its tonal qualities. This feature provides greater versatility and musical possibilities, making five-string violins a preferred choice for many electric violinists despite the adjustments required to adapt to the instrument's unique geometry.
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The extra string creates a richer, darker tone
The five-string violin was created to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola. The extra string on a five-string violin is typically a lower C string, tuned below the violin's usual range. This additional string creates a richer, darker tone across the range, appealing to many players. The wider neck required to accommodate the extra string may contribute to this deeper sound.
The five-string violin provides more range to work with, allowing players to cover both violin and viola parts. It is particularly useful for teachers who want to demonstrate violin, viola, and cello parts to their students. The five-string violin also enables violinists to cover guitar parts that would otherwise be out of range on a four-string violin.
While the wider neck can make playing more comfortable, it also means that the strings are spaced slightly closer together. This tighter space can be more challenging for those with large fingers or for intricate chord playing. The five-string violin's geometry is different from a four-string violin, and some players may find it discouraging to adjust to these differences.
The five-string violin is popular among electric violinists because it does not rely on acoustics, and the added string does not affect the sweet spot of the instrument's range. This setup allows for a broader range of musical genres beyond classical, such as bluegrass and fiddle music.
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Wider necks accommodate the extra string
The fifth string on a five-string violin is typically a lower C string, which adds to the pitch range of the instrument. This means that the neck of the violin must be wider to accommodate the extra string.
The wider neck of a five-string violin can make the instrument feel quite different to play compared to a standard four-string violin. The strings on a five-string violin are spaced slightly closer together, even with the added width of the neck. This tighter space is more noticeable closest to the nut, affecting the player's hand position, especially for those with larger fingers.
While some violinists may find the wider neck uncomfortable, others appreciate the benefits it brings. The wider neck allows for narrower string spacings, which can improve playability by preventing the strings from being too close together. This setup enables violinists to demonstrate violin, viola, and cello parts to their students.
The five-string violin was created to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola. This modification was popularized by bluegrass fiddler Bobby Hicks in 1963. The additional string gives violinists access to lower notes and a richer, darker tone across the range of the instrument.
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The fifth string allows violinists to play lower notes
The fifth string on a five-string violin is typically a lower C string, which allows violinists to play notes that are lower than the usual range of a violin. This additional lower string results in a richer, darker tone across the range. The five-string violin was created to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola, allowing violinists to cover viola parts.
The fifth string adds an extra lower string to the four strings of a standard violin, which are usually tuned to G, D, A, and E. The addition of the lower C string means that violinists can play notes that are lower than those accessible on a four-string violin. This extended range can be particularly useful for playing certain genres of music or covering guitar parts, as well as providing more options for musical expression.
The wider range of notes offered by the five-string violin can be advantageous for musicians who want to explore different styles and sounds. For example, a five-string violin can be used to play both violin and viola parts, making it a versatile option for orchestra directors, teachers, and musicians who want to be able to cover multiple instruments. The ability to play in a lower range also allows violinists to more easily cover guitar solos or guitar-based rock music, as the six-string guitar's range goes down to an E, which is lower than the range of a four-string violin.
The fifth string also affects the overall tone of the violin, giving it a richer and darker sound that many players find appealing. This is due in part to the extra mass of the wider neck, as well as the sympathetic resonance of the extra lower string. The wider neck and narrower string spacings can take some time to adjust to, as they can feel uncomfortable to some players and require getting used to finger placement and chord playing. However, the added range and unique tone of the five-string violin make it a popular choice for those looking to explore new sounds and styles.
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Electric 5-string violins are popular because they don't rely on acoustics
Electric 5-string violins are a popular choice for violinists, perhaps because many players figure that if they are going electric, they might as well explore the full range of benefits that a 5-string instrument offers. One of the key advantages of electric 5-string violins is their ability to combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola, providing a richer, darker tone across the range. This is achieved by adding a lower C string to the standard violin's G, D, A, and E strings, extending the instrument's range below the violin's usual register.
The 5-string violin's extended range allows players to cover both violin and viola parts, making it a versatile choice for orchestra directors, teachers, and musicians performing in various genres. The 5-string violin's wider neck accommodates the extra string, although this altered geometry can take some getting used to, especially for players with larger fingers or those accustomed to intricate chord playing.
Another benefit of electric 5-string violins is their ability to produce a consistent tone across the range. Unlike acoustic 5-string violins, which may have a "sweet spot" where the sound is optimal, electric 5-strings do not rely on acoustics, ensuring a more uniform sound. This feature makes electric 5-string violins particularly popular among players seeking a consistent and reliable tone.
While the wider neck of electric 5-string violins can provide a more comfortable playing experience, it is important to note that the string spacing may be narrower than on a 4-string violin. This tighter space, particularly noticeable closest to the nut, can affect even 1st position playing. Despite this, the 5-string violin's versatility and unique tone have contributed to its popularity among violinists seeking to explore new musical possibilities beyond the traditional 4-string range.
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Frequently asked questions
Five-string violins combine the pitch ranges of the violin and viola, allowing violinists to play both violin and viola parts.
The strings of a 5-string violin are E, A, D, G, and C, in descending order.
The 5-string violin offers a wider range of notes and a richer, darker tone. It also allows violinists to cover viola and cello parts.
The geometry of a 5-string violin is different from a 4-string violin, with a wider neck and narrower string spacings. This can make it uncomfortable to play for some violinists, especially those with large fingers or those who play intricate chords.
The 5-string violin offers greater range and a unique tone that appeals to many players. However, it may take some time to adjust to the different geometry and playing style required. Ultimately, the decision to switch to a 5-string violin depends on personal preference and musical needs.
