What should I learn to play the violin or cello???

Question

I've been playing the piano for three years and now I want to take on a string instrument. I also want a string instrument thats good for playing the lyric part of a song ya know a instrument that sounds the closest to the human voice.

Answer 1

Definitely the CELLO.  Listen to me: I've played cello for like four years now and before that I went through four years of grueling piano lessons.  I could NOT play the violin because it screeched every time, and my hand spread out too wide because of my piano experience-- piano players tend to have a wider hand span because they stretch them a lot, I suppose.  When I try to play the violin, I have to scrunch my hand up to play in first position, whereas with a bit of effort, I was able to learn the position of the cello hand.

People would say that violins are the most lyrical of the two, but this is completely not true.  Dear whoever may have answered this question saying that violins are the most lyrical: You are a horrible person.  Love Lauren.  

P.S.

If you would like me to elaborate on why you are a horrible person, consider this: Orchestras tend to lean toward violins for leading parts, but the cello section always has a turn in playing the chorus, and then usually also a solo.  However, when you play cello solos, it's ALWAYS going to be lyrical and full of moving music and wonderful tones; it's not always half notes and bottom tones.

In truth, the cello does have a lovely bottom tone, and since it's used a lot in popular classical music, people acquire the misconception that this tone is stagnant.  The A string is actually pretty high, but not TOO high, if you know what I mean (COUGH violin).  The thing I like about the cell is that you can go really high without making it sound to screechy (if you're a good player, you can go seriously high by using thumb position on the A string) and you can go low without the indistinguishable rumble of a bass.  Does that not match the flexibility of the human voice?

I'm going to give you some really pretty lyrical songs that I like of cello solos in links and contrast them with squeaky violin solos.  I will also find a link that demonstrates thumb position on the A string so that you can hear how high the pitch is.

* added notes: To person who said cello is easy to master at first...you are SO wrong.  Actually, I've got an interesting story of fate.  It's called one time at sixth grade registration I wanted to sign up for band but I accidentally walked into the orchestra room and they were happy to see me and wanted me to try out the instruments and were very pushy about it, so I was like "ok, whatever, doesn't hurt.  i'm not going to sign up for this anyway" and when I tried the violin it made screeching noises so they said violin wasn't my thing and they stuck a cello on my and I had a natural talent they said, but i didn't think so because it hurt SO much to stretch my hand out into that position, even with my piano, and for the first few months of orchestra class that year I wanted to quit because it was hard, but I will tell you, some things in life are difficult only because they will give you extreme satisfaction when your ability clicks in.  And that is the title of my story.  Unfortunately, you do not get to hear the story.  Sorry. (I mean to make that one long sentence and to make it sound dumb.  Don't be turned off of cello because it's hard at first.  My point is that it's worth it.)

Also, here's the thing about violins in orchestras: The majority may assume that all violins get the melody and play well, but this is far from reality, and earth, and the stars, and the color of the universe into the blank whiteness of non-reality.  There are always two sections of violins: firsts and seconds.  Basically if you are a strong, steady player, you are a first.  If you completely blow at violin, you're a second.  Second violins only play the harmony and have parts a lot like the bass parts, with half notes and rythmic boringness.  When it comes to which parts you get, I think that cello is a good medium because you have the chance to play the chorus sometimes, including frequent solos.  Tone-wise it's a good compromise also because it ranges further than any other instrument, touching the higher (more audible) notes of a bass AND the medium notes of a violin.  It goes up higher than it does lower because on any string instrument, the lowest string is the lowest possible note you can make, whereas on the highest string, it's possible to go all the way to the tip of the bridge.

Answer 2

Definitely the violin. There are more schools, instructors, and people that play the violin then there are the cello. But if you want to be in a smaller group then you should pick the cello.

Answer 3

the violin enjoys more solos and melodies. also the violin is smaller. but the cello has a beautiful mellow tone while the violin has a sharp, rich tone. anyway its ur decision. btw i play violin.

good luck

Answer 4

You should go with your own instincts on this one. I play the cello and love it. Cellos are also much more expensive than a violin, and can be a pain to haul around.

Answer 5

If you want to play the lyric part of a song, the violin always gets the melody.  I play the violin and I love it, but I personally think the cello sound is beautiful and sounds better than the violin.

No harm in learning both!

Answer 6

Hey! My name is Tori and I play the celllo. I think u should play the cello because it is easier to start to learn and the music is a little bit easier.

Answer 7

The violin uses much of emotional tune and you need to put your voice in there and the cello offers a grand and broad tune that is also emotional to listen to! However, the violin is VERY hard to master, and the cello is very easy to learn AT FIRST! But if you learn the violin you will be accustomed to listening with your ears and playing a piece you have never heard of perfectly! AWESOME!

Answer 8

the cello sounds closest to the human voice. I am sure no one 's voice sounds like a violin. :) The violin is nice but if you're talking about the lyric part of a song, I think the cello brings it out better.

But its still up to you. Are you willing to endure carrying the bulky instrument around? :) that's always the questions people use to decide between violin and cello.

I used to play the violin but gave up learning because i hated the high notes. preferred the cello so I picked up the cello. its mellow and really moves the heart.

Answer 9

Cello. If you decide to take it seriously, you will be a big fish in a small pond.

Also, the cello has a greater range of expression than a violin--from deep bass range up into the violin's range.

It is also better for you--violin hand positions are unnatural and uncomfortable, and violinists are 45% likelier to get serious hand and wrist arthritis than cellists. Cello hand positions are more comfortable and better for your hands, wrists, arms and joints. I know a serious violinist now--he is 23, goes to Julliard, and is under doctor's orders to limit his practice time because he is beginning to get arthritis in his hands.

Cellists are also so much more fun!! So many quirky and eccentric cellists.

Choose well! Have fun whichever one you choose!

Answer 10

I'm a cellist, so of course I would reccommend the cello.  But it really depends on personal preference.  If you want a more melodic sound that "sings", you should play the cello.  And judging by your question, the cello seems like the instrument for you (being very melodic and some people say that it's the instrument that sounds the most like the human voice).  But if you want to play the melody a majority of the time in chamber music and you want to have everything easily accessible (teachers, instruments, portability of the instrument), then you might pick violin.  There are an awful lot of violinists out there, so it would probably be harder to 'make it big' in violin, but like I said, it's a matter of personal prefrence.  I also play violin, but I definitely like the cello better.  Hope this helps!