Here you will learn of the greatest instrument ever made: the viola. This is a realm where viola jokes are strictly forbidden. Punishments for slighting violas or violists can be found here: torture

WARNING: The above link takes you to a page of a very graphic nature. Those with a weak stomach are not advised to visit it.

The viola (pictured above) is very similar to the violin. The viola is larger, and has a lower range than the violin. Violas have the following stings (lowest to highest): C, G, D, A (same as a cello). Violins have G, D, A, E (same as a bass). The viola has it's own clef, the alto clef, which looks like this.

The viola is the hardest string instrument to play in many respects. The neck of a viola is longer (and slightly wider) than a violins' so the violist must stretch and contort their fingers to reach the notes. Although not as popular/well-known as the violin, the viola produces the range of a human voice more so then any other instrument (the cello can be said to do this for men). Violists also put up with stereotypes and jokes. Violas play an important part in creating music: they are the middle voice, they play the off-beats (which no other instrument can pull off), and they even get the tune/solos sometimes. And another thing, violas don't screech like some other instrument (*cough-violin*). That's why the viola is the greatest instrument around-NO COMPETITION!!