Hey, i just found this site today. I've been looking for opinions on this subject for quite some time. I've been a mediocre acoustic guitar player for a few years. I have been interested in the violin for at least a year. I'd like to hear from people who learned the guitar first and then started on violin. This question has been tossed around a little but no one has quite answered it yet. I haven't been able to get an answer from anyone in person because I'm a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan for the last 2 years and generally Marines don't have any interest in the violin. Also I would like to know whether I should learn the violin or the viola because I have huge hands. I would prefer to learn the violin but my pinky finger is the size of an average man's index finger and I don't want to get cramped up on a tiny instrument. Sorry if this was long...I had much to say.

Hello! Firstly,you should really learn violin! it doesn't matter about your hands,violin would be ok,you don't have to take viola. now...i'm 17 years old. i have been playing piano for seven years,guitar for 2 years and mandolin for 1 year. i wanted soooo much to learn violin,but i didn't have a teacher,so i thought that i couldn't do it by myself. also,i didn't have enough money. i had only 100 $..but,I my love to violin was stronger,and i have decided to do it,no matter what happened. i went to store and now,one week ago I bought a violin. and I didn't regret! i don't have teacher yet,but i have a lot of material from internet,and playing guitar is getting it so much easier! i already can play some little songs. it is not perfect,even good,but i'm happy,sooo happy!!!!!if you really want it,you should take it,you won't regret,believe me! good luck and keep us with your progress! just ask everything you need,I'll be happy to help you! good luck again! yosepha