So let me tell you the difference between a viola da gamba and a cello. The cello has four strings; the gamba has six (or sometimes seven). And unlike a cello, a viola da gamba has frets like a guitar, and that makes it easier to play chords on the gamba.

The bass viol is one of several sizes that form the viola da gamba family, while the cello is the bass member of the violin family, more formally known as the viola da braccio family, literally 'arm fiddles.' Even though the cello is held with the legs, i.e. 'da gamba,' it is really a large violin.