Differences between Fiddle and Violin

Fiddle vs. Violin

The terms "fiddle" and "violin" refer to the same four-stringed wooden chordophone; no physical difference exists between the instruments themselves. The distinction is cultural and based on the style of music being played, the setup of the instrument, and the playing techniques used. The word "violin" is most often associated with classical music, while "fiddle" is a colloquial term used in genres such as folk, country, bluegrass, and traditional Celtic music.

Comparison Table

Category	Fiddle	Violin
Primary Genres	Folk, country, bluegrass, Cajun, Irish and Scottish traditional.	Western classical, orchestral, chamber music, jazz.
Instrument Setup	Often has a flatter bridge and steel-core strings for a brighter sound.	Typically has a more arched bridge and synthetic-core or gut strings for a richer tone.
Playing Style	Emphasizes rhythmic drive for dancing; frequently uses double stops and improvisation.	Focuses on precise interpretation of a written score with techniques like sustained notes and vibrato.
Performance Context	Dances, pubs, festivals, and other informal social gatherings.	Concert halls, recitals, and formal orchestral settings.
Musical Approach	Often played by ear, with tunes passed down through aural tradition.	Adheres strictly to written musical notation composed by others.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Fiddle and Violin

Instrument setup

While the body of the instrument is identical, players may alter the setup to better suit their musical style. Fiddlers often prefer a bridge with a flatter arch. This modification lowers the string action and decreases the distance the bow must travel between strings, making it easier to play two or three notes simultaneously, a technique known as a double stop or triple stop. Classical violinists typically use a more highly arched bridge to facilitate the clean playing of single notes.

String choice also differs. Fiddlers frequently use steel-core strings, which produce a bright, crisp sound that can be heard in noisy environments like a dance or pub session. Classical violinists often use strings with a synthetic or gut core, which are known for a warmer and more complex tone suitable for a concert hall.

Playing technique

The approach to playing the instrument varies significantly between the two traditions. Fiddling is characterized by a strong rhythmic impulse, often intended to accompany dancing. Bowing techniques can be shorter and more percussive. Many fiddlers play primarily in the first position (the hand position closest to the scroll) and employ ornamentation and improvisation.

Classical violin technique, in contrast, emphasizes adherence to a composer's score. Players utilize the full range of the fingerboard and employ a wider variety of bowing techniques to achieve dynamic variation and a smooth, sustained tone. The use of vibrato is a common feature of classical violin playing but is used more sparingly in most fiddling traditions.