# The Full Chord, Viola

Three- and four-note chords on the viola

Chords on the viola resonate differently from any other string instrument, lower, wider, more complex in overtone. Learn to voice them so every string speaks.

Advanced · 4 lessons · approximately 96 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Reading at Sight](/learn/viola/reading-at-sight), Fluent score reading at tempo

## What this module covers
1. **Playing Three-String Chords**, The mechanics of drawing the bow across three strings simultaneously (24 min)
2. **Four-String Chords & Voicing**, Full four-string chords, arpeggiated and as sustained as possible (24 min)
3. **Arpeggiated vs. Sustained Chords**, Choosing how to voice chords based on context and style (24 min)
4. **Chords in the Solo Repertoire**, Applying chord technique to actual passages from the viola literature (24 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free metronome](/tools/metronome), Use a steady pulse while you count or repeat a short phrase.

## What comes next
- [The Whispered Notes](/learn/viola/whispered-notes), Natural and artificial harmonics

## Where should I start with the full chord?
The curriculum places Reading at Sight before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Playing Three-String Chords”: The mechanics of drawing the bow across three strings simultaneously. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the the full chord module?
The 4 listed lessons total approximately 96 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with three- and four-note chords on the viola. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The the full chord description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the viola curriculum](/learn/viola)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/viola/full-chord