Hi. I'm new to viola. I've played violin for a couple of years, and so I'm starting out teaching myself. Once I get the hang of alto clef I'll get a teacher. Right now I'm renting a 15.5" but I'm afraid it might be too big. I'm 5'4" but I have very small hands, so it's really a stretch to get my pinky finger where it should be, especially on the G and C strings. I have to slide my hand down a little to reach it. My question is will this become easier with practice or should I take it back and get a 15"? I understand it's best to have the biggest viola you can play, but how big is too big?

I am 5'5" and I am using a 15.5" BUt me being 20 I am not going to grow so I am not getting anything bigger. But for you if you are at that stage were you are not going to grow get a 15" but that's just me.

I am 5'5" and I am using a 15.5" BUt me being 20 I am not going to grow so I am not getting anything bigger. But for you if you are at that stage were you are not going to grow get a 15" but that's just me.

Go for a 15 inch. No point in injuring yourself, is there?