Viola Chords

Viola chords may also come under the heading of double stops and begin with a minimum of two notes played together simultaneously. They encompass all the intervals from minor seconds to major tenths. In contemporary music it is possible to have even larger compound intervals.

From viola chords to violin and cello chords, all have one thing in common; their use will make the instruments sound richer.

It is important that longer viola notes have vibrato to make chords resonate. Viola chords without open strings need vibrato. This will enable the viola to sound more open. The performer who can use complicated combinations of viola notes while grouping them together as chords, this will develop a big technique

Knowledge of viola chords across high and low registers of the fingerboard will enable difficult passage work to be executed with greater ease. With complicated passage work and an understanding of chords, viola fingerings may more easily and efficiently be worked out.

Example where correct viola finger positions are needed for ease of execution.

Bartok Viola Concerto first movement bars 112-113 and 116-117.

It is necessary to use forward & back extensions. Both passages can be practised by playing two notes together when slurring.

Thinking more in chord formation will allow the performer more freedom with the bow stroke when changing strings. This will make the passage sound less complicated.