What's your preferred method to play a C or C sharp on the E-string of a fiddle?
Guess it depends on the tune, so here are my details:
I am currently working on Sean Sa Cheo and see the following options:
- Stretching with the 4th finger (staying in the 1st position);
- Shifting to the 2nd position (A with the 2nd finger > C sharp with the 4th finger);
- Shifting to the 3rd position (A with the 1st finger > C sharp with the 3rd finger).
Not so sure what works best so I am trying all options, but I feel it is time to choose.
Other tunes I can mention with a C or C sharp on the E string: The Golden Eagle, City of Savannah. Any other tunes you know of?
On Sean sa cheo (3rd part) I shift to 3rd position for the Ist two bars, Back to Ist for bars 3 and 4, up to 3rd for bars 5 and 6, back down to finish, an open E near end of bar 2 and bar 6 makes the downward shift easy.
At this moment I also get the best results with the 3rd position. Makes the highest note really ring out, where it is a bit weak with the other options.
I use second position for most tunes with high C's or C#'s. It's easier to play into 3rd position once you get up there, but the shift is more awkward to pull off. I find that once you get comfortable playing in 2nd position, it's not really as hard as it seems. The shift from first to second position is much more seamless than the shift from 1st to 3rd. Another option is just to reach for the C with the 4th finger from 1st position. This is easier with a C natural than a C#. However, I have abnormally small hands, so I can't reach either of the C's from first position, so I probably shift way more than most people would choose to. For me, it's easier though, and I've gotten the hang of constantly shifting to 2nd position in certain tunes.
Henk, are you asking just for opinions or for an explanation of fingering people would use? I can explain how I would do the shift in a particular tune in terms of notes and fingering if you want.
C or C sharp on the E-string
C or C sharp on the E-string
Hi all,
What's your preferred method to play a C or C sharp on the E-string of a fiddle?
Guess it depends on the tune, so here are my details:
I am currently working on Sean Sa Cheo and see the following options:
- Stretching with the 4th finger (staying in the 1st position);
- Shifting to the 2nd position (A with the 2nd finger > C sharp with the 4th finger);
- Shifting to the 3rd position (A with the 1st finger > C sharp with the 3rd finger).
Not so sure what works best so I am trying all options, but I feel it is time to choose.
Other tunes I can mention with a C or C sharp on the E string: The Golden Eagle, City of Savannah. Any other tunes you know of?
regards,
Henk
# Posted on January 17th 2008 by Henk Bos
Re: C or C sharp on the E-string
On Sean sa cheo (3rd part) I shift to 3rd position for the Ist two bars, Back to Ist for bars 3 and 4, up to 3rd for bars 5 and 6, back down to finish, an open E near end of bar 2 and bar 6 makes the downward shift easy.
# Posted on January 17th 2008 by cathycook
Re: C or C sharp on the E-string
Trim the velvet, (3rd part), and the Moving Cloud, (2nd part) are other tunes with a high C where I'd use 3rd position.
# Posted on January 17th 2008 by cathycook
Re: C or C sharp on the E-string
At this moment I also get the best results with the 3rd position. Makes the highest note really ring out, where it is a bit weak with the other options.
# Posted on January 17th 2008 by Henk Bos
Re: C or C sharp on the E-string
I use second position for most tunes with high C's or C#'s. It's easier to play into 3rd position once you get up there, but the shift is more awkward to pull off. I find that once you get comfortable playing in 2nd position, it's not really as hard as it seems. The shift from first to second position is much more seamless than the shift from 1st to 3rd. Another option is just to reach for the C with the 4th finger from 1st position. This is easier with a C natural than a C#. However, I have abnormally small hands, so I can't reach either of the C's from first position, so I probably shift way more than most people would choose to. For me, it's easier though, and I've gotten the hang of constantly shifting to 2nd position in certain tunes.
Henk, are you asking just for opinions or for an explanation of fingering people would use? I can explain how I would do the shift in a particular tune in terms of notes and fingering if you want.
# Posted on January 17th 2008 by FidDLe01
Re: C or C sharp on the E-string
No, FidDle01, just opinions. Thanks anyway.
# Posted on January 18th 2008 by Henk Bos