I got a fiddle for Christmas...I'm delighted but I don't really know how to play it. As I play Irish trad music in a session I have tunes in my head already.
I would be really grateful to hear of any suggestions on how to get started.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I don't want to sound flippant here but "Get Lessons"--especially if you haven't played a stringed instrument before. As yopu are already involved in the trad scene, I'd imagine you'll have contacts.
Knowing the music already is a great start but you still need to learn "the mechanics" of the instrument.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
To produce a nice tone, you need to concentrate on bowing not on the tunes. To practise the bowing, the notes are largely irrelevant. Fiddles vary but usually the best tone is produced by bowing about half way between the bridge and the fingerboard. Try and keep the bow flattish on the strings and moving in a straight line not angled. Practise with something you know well, where you don't have to think about fingerings at all so you concentrate purely on tone produciton.
This is where lessons are hugely important at the beginning to establish the right posture, bowing techniques etc
A lot of Irish music for fiddle players relies on bowing techniques - slurring across barlines etc
I'm sure the likes of Will, Jim etc can provide you with more useful ideas - I'm guilty of playing my fiddle without consciously thinking about what I'm doing sometimes!!
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Practise playing two octave scales of G starting on the bottom string, One and a half of D starting on the D string, and one octave of A starting on the A string. Practise the related arpeggios.
A C scale starting on the G string could also be useful.
Play with long slow bows. Even though ITM doesn't hold notes for long usually, you need to be able to control the bow, and this is the best exercise.
Make sure you are flexing your right wrist to keep the bow parallel to the bridge at all times. Watch in a mirror if necessary (though looking at the mirror will be affecting the way you bow).
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
A good tone is a matter of time, as is a good bowing technique. I started with the fiddle with only a few fiddle lessons and after a half year took up classical lessons, too. It really helps. My teacher is into all sorts of music and he tries to teach me a overall good technique which enables me to play every style I like. You don't need to go to a teacher very often, as long as you go. It is good to have someone who corrects your bow hold and everything. What is also uselful is practising on front of a mirror.
Scales are boring, but they are very effective. I've found classical sheet music with exercises which sound more like proper tunes, but are in fact scales. It's called "All for Strings" by GE Anderson.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I found that practing each scale, arpeggio and then the scale in broken thirds has really helped my intonation. I don't allow myself to play tunes until I have gone through the D, C, A, G, & F major scales. Sometime it takes all of my practice time but it's really beneficial. The hardest thing for me is not to just jump into the tunes first.
It may sound strange but I actually enjoy doing scales and exercises. It's very relaxing.
Have fun
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
ONe of the most important exercises to try is - bowing in the mirror. where by you stand with the fiddle parrarell to the mirror and do long slow bows, tip to heel, making sure that your bow is constantly perpendicular to the strings. This is quite an unnatural movement, as the forearm naturally forms an arch in the air rather than a straight line. I find in beginners doing this 10 minutes a day greatly and quickly improves the bowing and thus the tone.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
If good tone is really what you're after, doing long bow strokes on a single note is where its at. Definitely rely on Terry to guide your technique--how you hold the bow, move the fingers, wrist, and forearm--and lots of other stuff that influences tone.
When you're comfortable playing long bow strokes and getting decent tone, also practice maintaining that tone with short bow strokes. Start by using only 2 to 3 inches of hair, and then gradually work it down to an inch or two, then half an inch. Also practice these short strokes in all three ranges of the bow--the third up near the tip (easiest for most people), the middle third, and the third down by the frog. Your finger and hand motions with be different for all three sections. And don't forget to do all of this on each string--your arm will work differently in each plane it needs to be in for playing on each string.
And be patient with yourself--it takes most people a few years to develop consistently good tone on fiddle.
Mary's notion of doing scales isn't a bad one, but it's also entirely possible to hone your intonation, tone, and technique by playing tunes. If playing scales works for you *and* makes you happy, then go for it. If you'd rather play actual tunes, there's no real need to ever play scales to learn this music or play it well. The tunes themselves contain all the "patterns" and "exercises" you'll ever need to know.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Ciara, I'll reply to the email with a bit more on this soon, but there're a few exercises that'll help with your bowing and finger placement simultaneously. Just practise the scales as well, like I was showing James how to do! Also, y'know that tune I taught yous at some stupid hour of the morning? Can't remember the name of it now, but I'd say that'd be a good one to start off with. Most of all, enjoy it!
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
A relaxed and natural hold of the bow (I'd rather not use the word "grip" in this context) is the most important thing to learn if you want a good tone and good control of the bow. Although it can be described in print you should really have it shown to you by a teacher or a good player. If you have a relaxed hold you'll find that the bow will find its own path of least resistance across the string and will naturally tend to be at a right angle to the string. When you've acquired this you'll find that you'll rarely need to look at your bowing because it will automatically be in the right place at all times.
Similarly, a relaxed and natural left hand is the best route to full facility of the fingers and good intonation.
Oh, and take every opportunity to observe the bowing and fingering of top players (classical as well as trad) at close quarters. Osmosis does work if you give it a chance.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Mostly everybody above has given you invaluable clues to technique... Here's something about the "head game" which may sound contradictory, but... Be critical of your playing - without being hard on yourself. You've chosen a difficult instrument in a demanding musical genre... so be cheered by your successes, and therefore motivated to improve on your shortcomings. In a few short decades, you'll be rockin'.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I agree with Mike, bowing in front of a mirror is a good way to go. Also, playing thirds up and down an octave or two in different keys is a good way to build finger coordination.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
A lot of good advice here. the only thing I would add is the importance of playing slowly. Learn a tune phrase by phrase. Play it ridiculously slowly 10 times. then very slightly faster, then faster again and so on. Listen really critically to yourself.
If you are looking for a teacher the best I ever had was Mick Brown who lives in Carrick. I learnt loads from him in a one day workshop.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Actually, that's a good one. I've been watching this thread and been unable to come up with anything more than flippancy, so I've steered clear. I've been itching to say what's the point of playing scales when you can play tunes instead. And what's the point of bow practice when you can play tunes instead. But this neatly answers both questions.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I can only agree. My teacher always tells me (who tends to rush into the tunes) that with playing slow, you not only learn the right technique, but also the right feeling for playing. You learn that playing the fiddle can be very relaxed and when you finally are able to play the tunes fast, you remeber this feeling and stay relaxed. On the contrary, if you always force youself to play fast, you tend to feel tense and this will "show" in you tone.
I hope you understand what I mean. My English sometimes is a little bit clumsy.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Intonation is so important for beginners. Practice with a recording, preferably a midi file so you can slow the tempo. later, with recorded versions to get the style and ornamentation.Your ear needs to be trained - just like your arms and fingers. Scales, although most on this thread have no use for them, are also good for intonation and ear training, and make for a good warm up.
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I hate scales as much as anyone, BUT--after playing fiddle and classical violin for several decades, have foud that it is necessary for me to play scales and arpeggios daily in order to play in tune. It doesnt take much time once you have gotten the scales in tune--I can now spend about 15 min at the start of my practice playing all the major and minor 3 octave scales G through F (F# is too damn high).
As you are getting started, it helps to have a drone of the tonic (bottom) note of the scale played as you play your scale to help get the intonation right.
Also, the Scale Master available from www.virtvirt.com will play scales with you on the computer. you can set the speed, choose the number of octaves and the number of repititions. I wil still go back occasionally to play with this program to check my intonation. A bargain at $25.
Also get a teacher to help you with bowing and other techiques as you progress. Good Luck
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
My father gave me a piece of advice re the fiddle (he was a fiddler); "Son, if you want to make any money out of music, or just retain your sanity, buy a saxophone or a guitar."
Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I got a fiddle for Christmas...I'm delighted but I don't really know how to play it. As I play Irish trad music in a session I have tunes in my head already.
I would be really grateful to hear of any suggestions on how to get started.
Thanks, go raibh maith agaibh!
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by flauta dolce
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I don't want to sound flippant here but "Get Lessons"--especially if you haven't played a stringed instrument before. As yopu are already involved in the trad scene, I'd imagine you'll have contacts.
Knowing the music already is a great start but you still need to learn "the mechanics" of the instrument.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Johannes J
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I have had lessons already. I can play really simple tunes. which I tought myself.
And plan to get some help from Terry Crehan (anois is aris)...
What I am saying is that I am look for exercises to help get the feel of where the notes are.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by flauta dolce
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
"I am look for exercises to help get the feel of where the notes are."
They're called "tunes."
No, really, I'm not just being flip, but a few "scales" likely wouldn't hurt either.
Or you can play Sailor's and combine the two.
KFG
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by KFG
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
O.K. But, what did you guys do to get started ?
Did it take a lot of effort to get a nice tone ?
I am playing by ear mostly now...
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by flauta dolce
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
"O.K. But, what did you guys do to get started ? "
Figured out how to get the tunes in my head to come out of the fiddle.
"Did it take a lot of effort to get a nice tone ?"
I figure after a few more decades I'll start to get the hang of it.
KFG
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by KFG
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
To produce a nice tone, you need to concentrate on bowing not on the tunes. To practise the bowing, the notes are largely irrelevant. Fiddles vary but usually the best tone is produced by bowing about half way between the bridge and the fingerboard. Try and keep the bow flattish on the strings and moving in a straight line not angled. Practise with something you know well, where you don't have to think about fingerings at all so you concentrate purely on tone produciton.
This is where lessons are hugely important at the beginning to establish the right posture, bowing techniques etc
A lot of Irish music for fiddle players relies on bowing techniques - slurring across barlines etc
I'm sure the likes of Will, Jim etc can provide you with more useful ideas - I'm guilty of playing my fiddle without consciously thinking about what I'm doing sometimes!!
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Tarrantella
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Practise playing two octave scales of G starting on the bottom string, One and a half of D starting on the D string, and one octave of A starting on the A string. Practise the related arpeggios.
A C scale starting on the G string could also be useful.
Play with long slow bows. Even though ITM doesn't hold notes for long usually, you need to be able to control the bow, and this is the best exercise.
Make sure you are flexing your right wrist to keep the bow parallel to the bridge at all times. Watch in a mirror if necessary (though looking at the mirror will be affecting the way you bow).
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Martin Milner
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Your tips are much appreciated. I think hearing the same things over and over helps.
I really would like to work on the bowing and tone (so yes a teacher like Terry will sort me out).
As with the flute, I don't really care for having a load of tunes. I would like to play with a good tone from the start.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by flauta dolce
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
A good tone is a matter of time, as is a good bowing technique. I started with the fiddle with only a few fiddle lessons and after a half year took up classical lessons, too. It really helps. My teacher is into all sorts of music and he tries to teach me a overall good technique which enables me to play every style I like. You don't need to go to a teacher very often, as long as you go. It is good to have someone who corrects your bow hold and everything. What is also uselful is practising on front of a mirror.
Scales are boring, but they are very effective. I've found classical sheet music with exercises which sound more like proper tunes, but are in fact scales. It's called "All for Strings" by GE Anderson.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by fiddlinsue
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I found that practing each scale, arpeggio and then the scale in broken thirds has really helped my intonation. I don't allow myself to play tunes until I have gone through the D, C, A, G, & F major scales. Sometime it takes all of my practice time but it's really beneficial. The hardest thing for me is not to just jump into the tunes first.
It may sound strange but I actually enjoy doing scales and exercises. It's very relaxing.
Have fun
Mary
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Antikhntr
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
ONe of the most important exercises to try is - bowing in the mirror. where by you stand with the fiddle parrarell to the mirror and do long slow bows, tip to heel, making sure that your bow is constantly perpendicular to the strings. This is quite an unnatural movement, as the forearm naturally forms an arch in the air rather than a straight line. I find in beginners doing this 10 minutes a day greatly and quickly improves the bowing and thus the tone.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Mike.Vass
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
If good tone is really what you're after, doing long bow strokes on a single note is where its at. Definitely rely on Terry to guide your technique--how you hold the bow, move the fingers, wrist, and forearm--and lots of other stuff that influences tone.
When you're comfortable playing long bow strokes and getting decent tone, also practice maintaining that tone with short bow strokes. Start by using only 2 to 3 inches of hair, and then gradually work it down to an inch or two, then half an inch. Also practice these short strokes in all three ranges of the bow--the third up near the tip (easiest for most people), the middle third, and the third down by the frog. Your finger and hand motions with be different for all three sections. And don't forget to do all of this on each string--your arm will work differently in each plane it needs to be in for playing on each string.
And be patient with yourself--it takes most people a few years to develop consistently good tone on fiddle.
Mary's notion of doing scales isn't a bad one, but it's also entirely possible to hone your intonation, tone, and technique by playing tunes. If playing scales works for you *and* makes you happy, then go for it. If you'd rather play actual tunes, there's no real need to ever play scales to learn this music or play it well. The tunes themselves contain all the "patterns" and "exercises" you'll ever need to know.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Will CPT
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
In the classical world they have etudes to help learn technique.
In the ITM world that's all we play.
KFG
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by KFG
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Ciara, I'll reply to the email with a bit more on this soon, but there're a few exercises that'll help with your bowing and finger placement simultaneously. Just practise the scales as well, like I was showing James how to do! Also, y'know that tune I taught yous at some stupid hour of the morning? Can't remember the name of it now, but I'd say that'd be a good one to start off with. Most of all, enjoy it!
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by tbag
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
A relaxed and natural hold of the bow (I'd rather not use the word "grip" in this context) is the most important thing to learn if you want a good tone and good control of the bow. Although it can be described in print you should really have it shown to you by a teacher or a good player. If you have a relaxed hold you'll find that the bow will find its own path of least resistance across the string and will naturally tend to be at a right angle to the string. When you've acquired this you'll find that you'll rarely need to look at your bowing because it will automatically be in the right place at all times.
Similarly, a relaxed and natural left hand is the best route to full facility of the fingers and good intonation.
Oh, and take every opportunity to observe the bowing and fingering of top players (classical as well as trad) at close quarters. Osmosis does work if you give it a chance.
Trevor
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by lazyhound
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Mostly everybody above has given you invaluable clues to technique... Here's something about the "head game" which may sound contradictory, but... Be critical of your playing - without being hard on yourself. You've chosen a difficult instrument in a demanding musical genre... so be cheered by your successes, and therefore motivated to improve on your shortcomings. In a few short decades, you'll be rockin'.
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by drone
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
You need to be in control of the bow, not the other way round.
bowing in the mirror, invaluable
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Mike.Vass
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I agree with Mike, bowing in front of a mirror is a good way to go. Also, playing thirds up and down an octave or two in different keys is a good way to build finger coordination.
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Fiddlekit
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
A lot of good advice here. the only thing I would add is the importance of playing slowly. Learn a tune phrase by phrase. Play it ridiculously slowly 10 times. then very slightly faster, then faster again and so on. Listen really critically to yourself.
If you are looking for a teacher the best I ever had was Mick Brown who lives in Carrick. I learnt loads from him in a one day workshop.
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Pól
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Actually, that's a good one. I've been watching this thread and been unable to come up with anything more than flippancy, so I've steered clear. I've been itching to say what's the point of playing scales when you can play tunes instead. And what's the point of bow practice when you can play tunes instead. But this neatly answers both questions.
Play tunes really really really slowly
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I can only agree. My teacher always tells me (who tends to rush into the tunes) that with playing slow, you not only learn the right technique, but also the right feeling for playing. You learn that playing the fiddle can be very relaxed and when you finally are able to play the tunes fast, you remeber this feeling and stay relaxed. On the contrary, if you always force youself to play fast, you tend to feel tense and this will "show" in you tone.
I hope you understand what I mean. My English sometimes is a little bit clumsy.
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by fiddlinsue
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Fast is slow.
Slow is the way to go.
"My English sometimes is a little bit clumsy. "
That's ok. So is mine. It's not my fault I was born in America.
KFG
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by KFG
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I don't think you've a thing to worry about - you have a good teacher there
# Posted on January 6th 2006 by Ron P
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
Intonation is so important for beginners. Practice with a recording, preferably a midi file so you can slow the tempo. later, with recorded versions to get the style and ornamentation.Your ear needs to be trained - just like your arms and fingers. Scales, although most on this thread have no use for them, are also good for intonation and ear training, and make for a good warm up.
# Posted on January 6th 2006 by Moylan
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
I hate scales as much as anyone, BUT--after playing fiddle and classical violin for several decades, have foud that it is necessary for me to play scales and arpeggios daily in order to play in tune. It doesnt take much time once you have gotten the scales in tune--I can now spend about 15 min at the start of my practice playing all the major and minor 3 octave scales G through F (F# is too damn high).
As you are getting started, it helps to have a drone of the tonic (bottom) note of the scale played as you play your scale to help get the intonation right.
Also, the Scale Master available from www.virtvirt.com will play scales with you on the computer. you can set the speed, choose the number of octaves and the number of repititions. I wil still go back occasionally to play with this program to check my intonation. A bargain at $25.
Also get a teacher to help you with bowing and other techiques as you progress. Good Luck
# Posted on January 8th 2006 by Nfg
It doesn't matter what you play as a long as you play.
-dogma
# Posted on January 9th 2006 by dogmageek
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
My father gave me a piece of advice re the fiddle (he was a fiddler); "Son, if you want to make any money out of music, or just retain your sanity, buy a saxophone or a guitar."
# Posted on January 10th 2006 by ginley
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
ew, saxophone - ick!
# Posted on January 10th 2006 by Q
Re: Suggestions of Exercises to practise on Fiddle
If you are a lapsed Catholic, but practise the fiddle, does that make you a practising Catholic?
Puzzled
# Posted on November 5th 2007 by ginley