# Viola fingerboard chart, free printable first position

First position on all four viola strings, with finger numbers, and a reminder of where each note sits in alto clef.

Tuning: C3 · G3 · D4 · A4. Clef: Alto clef.

The viola shares the G, D and A strings with the violin, but has a lower C string instead of the violin's E. This reference uses the displayed note pattern on each string; the pattern still changes with accidentals and key. If you are switching from violin, read the alto-clef note before choosing its finger.

Strings run vertically, lowest on the left, nut across the top. Open strings sit above the nut; stopped notes are filled circles with the note name inside and the finger number beside them.

As on the violin, fourth finger matches the next open string above it. Checking that D on the G string against the open D, listening for the open string to ring sympathetically, is the fastest intonation feedback available without a tuner.

## Notes and fingers

### C string

- C3: open string
- D3: finger 1
- E3: finger 2
- F3: finger 3
- G3: finger 4

### G string

- G3: open string
- A3: finger 1
- B3: finger 2
- C4: finger 3
- D4: finger 4

### D string

- D4: open string
- E4: finger 1
- F#4: finger 2
- G4: finger 3
- A4: finger 4

### A string

- A4: open string
- B4: finger 1
- C#5: finger 2
- D5: finger 3
- E5: finger 4

## What the chart does not show

- The frame shown is the selected pattern. Low second finger is the same hand with the finger moved back, not a new position.

- Viola string spacing is wider than violin, and wider again on a larger instrument. Charts show relative spacing only.

- Reading the notes in alto clef is the separate skill. The chart tells you where a note is, not how to recognise it on the page.

## Questions

### What are the notes on a viola in first position?

On the C string: C, D, E, F, G. On the G string: G, A, B, C, D. On the D string: D, E, F sharp, G, A. On the A string: A, B, C sharp, D, E. Those are the open string plus fingers one to four in the standard frame.

### Is the viola fingering the same as the violin?

Violin and viola both use fingers one to four in first position and share G, D and A string pitches. The viola adds a lower C string instead of a high E. Its larger dimensions and alto-clef reading require adjustment; the chosen finger pattern depends on the key.

### How do I print this viola chart?

Choose Download the PDF for a ready-made one-page file, free without an account or email. Print it at fit-to-page scale in black and white, or use the browser print button for the on-page chart.

### Where is middle C on the viola?

Middle C, C4, is the third finger on the G string in first position. In alto clef it sits on the middle line of the staff, which is exactly why violists read that clef, it keeps the working range on the staff instead of on ledger lines.

[Download the PDF](https://arcosounds.com/charts/viola/fingerboard-chart.pdf)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/charts/viola