A five-string violin is a type of violin that has an extra string. This string is tuned to a lower pitch than the usual G, D, A, and E strings found on a standard violin. A five-string violin typically adds a lower C string. Violins with six or more strings may include additional low notes such as F, B♭, or E♭, or a high A string on a soprano violin (sometimes a high B).

The five-string violin was made to combine the range of pitches from a violin and a viola. In 1963, Bobby Hicks, a famous bluegrass fiddler, introduced the five-string violin during a performance in Las Vegas. José Herrando wrote six sonatas for the five-string violin (also called the five-string viola, or Grand Viola, or Viola Pomposa) and for continuo.

Because of the size of a five-string violin, the low C string usually produces a slightly softer sound than the other strings. Five-string violas (also called Viola Pomposa) are typically tuned to C, G, D, and A, with an added high E string. These violas have the same tuning as five-string violins but are played on a viola body and do not make as squeaky a sound. Skilled musicians can use techniques to improve the sound, and electric instruments help by amplifying the sound. A luthier, or instrument maker, can also create instruments with adjusted sizes to solve these issues.

Structure

A five-string violin has parts that are similar to a traditional violin. The body and neck of a five-string violin look similar to those of a traditional violin. The strings are usually tuned to C3, G3, D4, A4, and E5. The body of a five-string violin is still smaller than a viola but may be slightly wider and deeper to help the C string sound better. It has a larger pegbox to hold the fifth string.

Uses

Five-string violins are good at playing music that requires making up notes on the spot because they can reach a wide range of sounds and are flexible. They are often used in country fiddling, swing, and jazz music. Musicians who play this instrument like how it can perform pieces written for the violin or viola, as well as new pieces that use the combined sound range of both instruments. The five-string violin can also play music written for the cello, but one octave higher, which makes it very useful for different types of music.