Tenor Viola

A “tenor viola,” also sometimes called a tenor violin, is a larger, lower-tuned version of the viola, typically with a body size similar to a smaller viola (around 15.5 to 16 inches) and strings tuned to an octave lower than a regular viola (like an octave violin).  

Note: While historically, “tenor viola” referred to larger violas, today it’s more commonly understood as a normal viola-sized instrument tuned an octave lower, much like an octave violin. 

Common tuning: G2 D3 A3 E4

See also

• Octave Violas and Tenor Violas by Don Rickert (full product description)
• Tenor Viola (Wikipedia)
• Chin Cellos (Octave Violas) AND Tenor Violas are Back!
• Alternative Violas for Non-Conformists Who Play Non-Orchestral Music
• Octave Violin and Tenor Viola Options from Don Rickert Musical Instruments
• Octave Violins, Tenor Violas and Related Instruments from Donald Rickert