Rock viola is a type of viola playing popular in the rock genre, as well as other subgenres like alternative music. This style incorporates techniques from the classical method, but it is ultimately characterized by a modified, faster attack style. The viola has been used in the music of rock bands such as Yellowcard, The Velvet Underground, and 10,000 Maniacs.
The viola is a classical stringed instrument that is commonly used in orchestras. It is related to the violin family, but it is larger and has heavier strings than a violin. A violist is a musician who performs on the viola.
Rock violists employ a few fundamental techniques. Throwing or tapping is a technique for hitting the strings with the bow quickly and aggressively, resulting in rapid-fire sounds with short rests in between each note. The tapping that occurs when the strings are struck also produces a percussive sound. The sound of the strings colliding with the fret board causes this pulse. This technique can also be used to imitate the sound of a slap bass guitar on the rock viola.
Finger picking is sometimes used to create an old-timey, medieval sound, but it is a quieter method of playing and is less popular in rock. Rock bands such as The Decembrists and Gogol Bordello have used this technique with their stringed instruments. This rock viola technique imparts gypsy-swing undertones or a ragtime folk sound to the music. Celtic rock bands like The Dropkick Murphys use the rock viola as well.
Rock violists frequently use pedals and effects to enhance and thicken their sound. When a viola is distorted, it sounds more powerful, similar to a rhythm guitar playing short power chords. Due to its assertive striking sound, the rock viola is often used as a lead instrument, but it can also be used as a rhythm instrument. This technique has been used by Yellowcard, an American rock band, in several of their songs. Many of U2’s guitar pedals use effects to simulate the sound of a rock viola, giving the impression that the band is backed by an orchestra.
The viola, while underappreciated by modern rock bands, can add a lot of character to a band’s sound. While it is still recognized as a traditional orchestra instrument used in classical music performances, it is far more versatile. Contrary to popular belief, the viola can produce a rollicking rock-and-roll sound when used in conjunction with distortion, amplification, and other effects.