# Two Voices at Once, Viola

Double stops and broken chords

Double stops on the viola have their own intonation challenges, the wider string spacing and longer fingerboard demand precision. Master them and a new harmonic world opens up.

Advanced · 5 lessons · approximately 120 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [The Flying Bow](/learn/viola/flying-bow), Spiccato, sautillé, and ricochet

## What this module covers
1. **Thirds in First Position**, Playing parallel thirds with clean intonation and even tone (24 min)
2. **Sixths & Octaves**, The wider double stops, resonant, exposed, and demanding (24 min)
3. **Unison Double Stops & Intonation on the Longer String**, Using same-note double stops to calibrate microscopic intonation (24 min)
4. **Broken Chord Passages**, Arpeggiated double stops across multiple strings in sequence (24 min)
5. **Double Stop Etudes**, Complete études that develop fluency across all double stop types (24 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Viola tuner](/tools/tuner/viola), Check the open-string reference before comparing stopped notes.
- [Viola first-position chart](/charts/viola), A lower-position reference only; it does not show every accidental, extension or shift in this module.

## What comes next
- [The High Road](/learn/viola/high-road), Fifth position and above

## Where should I start with two voices at once?
The curriculum places The Flying Bow before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Thirds in First Position”: Playing parallel thirds with clean intonation and even tone. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the two voices at once module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 120 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with double stops and broken chords. 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 two voices at once 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/two-voices