A viola (/iˈoʊlə/ ( listen) vee-OH-lə) is a musical instrument that is similar to the violin and cello. The viola sounds lower than a violin, but higher than a cello. It has four strings: the C, G, D, and A strings. The highest string is the A string. The viola is played with a bow in the right hand. Playing with the bow is called arco. Sometimes the strings may be plucked (pizzicato).