Guitar and violin both are stringed instrument. But there are key differences between them. These differences are in different areas of the two instruments. The scale length or length of string is the first place where the difference becomes first prominent. On most of the guitars, the scale length is 24” to 26” which may vary slightly with the different brand or the manufacturer. But, normally the guitar is bigger than a violin. But, the sound of a violin is higher than a regular guitar.
The tonal qualities of both the instruments are influenced by the fret, though short strings of the violin play higher notes than the longest strings of the guitar. Unlike the violin, the guitars have fret, the elevated part of the string instrument.
Method of playing of both the instrument is also different. The violin is played by drawing the resined bow to create a long melodious single note. However the violin can also be plucked with the finger to create a ping. But, the guitars are usually picked and twanged. Bows are used rarely on it. Violin is played by placing it under the players chin supported by the shoulder. Guitar is played at the waist height, supported by the player’s knee or sometimes holding on hand.
As to the F-Hole , the normal acoustic violin possesses two that allows sound to exit out of the violin sound box. This gives the violin a melodious tune. On the other hand the acoustic guitar possesses a single large hole, though there are a few guitars that have F holes, so these differences are not always not applicable.
As far as shape of both violin and guitar is concerned both comes in different shapes and sizes. But in case of classical violin, the shapes and sizes of the violin are designed to produce some unique tones created by the strings in vibration. The shape of the guitar, apart from being louder can be different as different tone is demanded of the guitar.
In spite of the aforesaid differences, the similarities between guitar and violin should not be forgotten. Both the instruments are used widely in classical as well as in unamplified music. There are literally hundreds of others, the differences are not always apparent. All depends on the type of violin or guitar that are being used. The differences may be in gauges, strings, string materials or the types of materials, tuners, and even the finishings. There might be similarities, but after all, both the instruments are not same.
With playing of guitar and violin, doing of some craft of luthiering is imperative to know the object very closely.