What is the Difference Between Violin and Fiddle?

The main difference between a violin and a fiddle lies in the style of music being played and the way it is played, rather than any physical difference. Both instruments are the same four-stringed instrument, generally played with a bow, strummed, or plucked. Here are some key differences:

• Style of Music: Violins are typically used to perform classical music, such as in symphonies and string quartets, while fiddles are associated with a wide variety of music styles, including Cajun, bluegrass, folk, and country.
• Playing Technique: Violinists often adhere to a more technical and traditional interpretation of the music, while fiddlers have more freedom in how they interpret a piece and may employ alternative techniques such as string bending and extended multiple.
• String Choice: Classical violin players typically use gut or synthetic-core strings, while fiddle players usually use steel strings due to their sharper sound.
• Physical Modifications: Fiddlers may make physical modifications to their instruments, such as using a modified bridge with some of the wood trimmed off the top to make it easier to perform certain techniques.

In summary, the difference between a violin and a fiddle is primarily in the style of music being played and the playing techniques used, rather than any inherent physical difference between the instruments.

Comparative Table: Violin vs Fiddle

The main difference between a violin and a fiddle is the style of music played on the instrument, rather than the instrument itself. Both a violin and a fiddle refer to the same instrument, but they are associated with different genres of music and playing styles. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

In summary, the violin is typically associated with classical and jazz music, while the fiddle is associated with traditional, country, folk, and bluegrass music. The playing styles and techniques may vary, but both the violin and the fiddle refer to the same instrument.