C-string on viola
I am a really new violist and whenever I'm switching from G, D and A string I find it really hard to vibrate the C-string and it always squeak whenever I try to play fast on that string. Are there anyways to improve this?
Replies (10)
Are you 100% happy with your viola bow?
How big is your viola? What brand of C string do you use?
As Adrian said, you need a heavier and slower stroke to get the C string moving properly. If you have a chance, try playing a bit of cello.
What Adrian said. If you're new to the viola -- even if you already are reasonably accomplished on the violin -- you will notice a difference in response. Don't be too quick to blame your equipment.
Thinner C's, usually with some tungsten in the windings, will give a more "complex" tone, and easier articulation even in the higher positions.
E.g. Obligato
okay. let us assume that your bow is ok and that string clearance and bridge curvature are good.
let us also assume that you do not have some odd string combo with C and G of different gauge and terribly incompatible winding....
play double stops on C and G and other strings. open strings, as well as octaves, sixths and thirds. play closer to the bridge then gradually change the position toward fingerboard. Listen to sound quality and evenness. experiment with speed, contact point and elevation of right arm. (W. Primrose preferred low bow arm). Try not to over-pronate.
Once the double stops are fine, find a nice study with arpeggios or chords. Pay attention to the way you cross the strings.
After a while, you will get a sense of what the issue is and how to resolve it.
Do you have a teacher? S/he could watch your vibrato and help you figure out what you need to do to improve it. If you are a beginning violist, having a teacher is not a bad idea in order to avoid developing bad habits.
The C string is a difficult one in the viola... in general it will be a "dead" string, only good violas will have a good sounding C string.
... and I thought that the D string was a black sheep!
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August 11, 2016 at 02:52 PM · The viola C needs a noticeably more biting attack, and a slower stroke, than the G, even when playing softly. Except on the biggest violas, fast playing on the C will often be either scratchy or woolly. Composers take note!