What is the Difference Between Fiddle and Violin

Fiddle and violin both refer to a wooden string instrument. Many people use these two words interchangeably. Although fiddle and violin are the same instruments, they are used in different styles of music.

What is the difference between fiddle and violin? The violin is mostly played in classical music, while the fiddle is played in folk, country, and bluegrass music.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Fiddle  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Violin
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Fiddle and Violin
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Fiddle and Violin
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Fiddle and Violin
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

String Instrument, Fiddle, Violin

What is a Fiddle

A fiddle is a string instrument played with a bow. The word “fiddle” is often a colloquial way to refer to a violin. It’s used by musicians across all styles of music, including classical. Fiddling refers to playing the fiddle, and fiddlers are the musicians who play it. Although the terms “fiddle” and “violin” often mean the same thing, there are some differences between them. For example, fiddles may have a flatter bridge to make certain techniques, like quickly switching between strings. Fiddlers also often use steel strings to create a bright, sharp sound, unlike the richer tones of gut or synthetic strings used in classical music.

Fiddling is common in traditional or folk music. Here, tunes are usually learned by ear rather than reading sheet music. Fiddling often focuses on creating lively rhythms for dancing, with quick, energetic note changes. It also allows room for improvisation and personal touches, unlike classical violin music, which sticks closely to what the composer wrote.

What is a Violin

A violin is a wooden string instrument that belongs to the chordophone family. It’s the smallest and highest-pitched member of the violin family. Although there are smaller instruments like the violino piccolo and pochette, they are rarely used today. Most violins have a hollow wooden body and four strings, tuned in perfect fifths to the notes G3, D4, A4, and E5. Violins are usually played with a bow, but they can also be played by plucking the strings (pizzicato). Sometimes, they’re played by tapping the strings with the wooden side of the bow (col legno).

The violin’s history dates back to 16th-century Italy. The violin also influenced the design of other string instruments, such as the viola.

Violins are useful in many styles of music. They are popular in Western classical music. They are used in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and as solo instruments. They’re also a major part of folk music, including country and bluegrass, and jazz. Electric violins, which have solid bodies and pickups to amplify their sound, are popular in rock and jazz fusion.

Similarities Between Fiddle and Violin

1. Both are the same string instrument.
2. Both typically have four strings.
3. They can use synthetic or steel strings depending on preference or style.

Difference Between Fiddle and Violin

Definition

• Violins are wooden string instruments tied to classical music traditions, whereas fiddles are wooden string instruments tied to folk traditions and regional culture.

Playing Style

• Violin music is more formal, with long, smooth notes, while fiddle music is lively, with room for improvisation and rhythmic playing.

Learning Method

• Violinists usually learn through formal lessons and sheet music, while fiddlers often learn by listening and copying songs.

Use

• Violins are played in orchestras and formal performances, whereas fiddles are usually played in folk bands and at informal gatherings.

Bridge Shape

• Violins have a curved bridge for precise playing. However, fiddles may have a flatter bridge to make quick string changes easier.

FAQ: Fiddle and Violin

1. Is there a difference between a fiddle and a violin?

The fiddle and violin are the same instrument, but the difference is in how they’re played. Violins are used in classical music, while fiddles are played in folk or country styles.

2. Why do some people call a violin a fiddle?

People call a violin a fiddle when it’s used in playing folk, country, or traditional music. “Fiddle” is just a colloquial name for the violin in these styles.

3. Can someone who plays violin play a fiddle?

Yes, a violin player can play a fiddle. It’s the same instrument, but the style of music and playing techniques might be different. Many fiddlers today have classical training, although it’s less common for classically trained violinists to play fiddles.

4. Are violins and fiddles tuned differently?

Violins usually have synthetic strings with an unwrapped steel E string and are tuned to perfect fifths (GDAE) using a fine tuner. Fiddle players often use all steel strings and tune their instruments using pegs and a fine tuner. The tuning may vary depending on the type of music they are playing.

Reference:

1. “Fiddle.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 
2. “Violin.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Fiddler in Wichita Riverfest” By Ty Nigh from Wichita, KS, USA – Flickr (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Person Playing a Violin” (CC0) via Pexels