Violin Sizes

Violin Sizes

The first thing you’ll need to consider is which size of violin is right for you or
your child.

Violins are available in lots of different sizes: 1/32, 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2,
3/4, 7/8, and 4/4 (full size).

It's usual for adults to play on 4/4 sized instruments, or 7/8 (or even 3/4) size
can be a good option if you have smaller hands. Children start learning on
smaller sized violins, and upgrade to bigger instruments as they grow.

It’s important to get this right, because a size that’s too small will feel cramped and uncomfortable, and a size that’s too large will force your child to stretch and strain to make it work. A violin that’s too big will also restrict the playing movements and make it very difficult to create a beautiful, resonant sound.

The most important factor when choosing the right size of the violin is arm length. The longer a violinist’s arms, the larger the size of instrument they’ll need.

Arm length doesn’t necessarily correlate to height, so if one child is taller than another, it doesn’t automatically mean they will need a bigger violin.

If you’re unsure about which size violin is the correct choice, then get a second opinion
from a teacher or a sales assistant at a reputable music shop.

Remember that this is not an exact science… the most important thing is that your child feels comfortable and can keep the upper body relaxed and flexible when playing. So be sure to ask them how they feel!

Trying a Violin for Size

Once you’re in a shop, try putting each size of violin in playing position, by bringing the violin to your child’s left shoulder, and resting it on the collarbone. (A shoulder rest is helpful, but not essential for this task). Hold the violin in place with your right hand.

Then, extend your left arm as if you were going to hold the violin by the scroll. If your child can comfortably place the scroll of the violin in the palm of their left hand whilst maintaining ‘playing position’, and the left arm is still somewhat bent (i.e. not fully
extended) at the elbow joint, then the violin is likely to be the right size. If your child can't
reach the scroll, the violin may be too big.