Fiddle for Absolute Beginners

145 CQ
18 Lessons
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    9 CQ
    1. Terms & Vocab for the Fiddle
    A lesson with Pete Martin
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    Learn basic vocabulary for the violin or fiddle (same thing), and get more comfortable with this challenging instrument, both physically and musically.

    Learn basic vocabulary for the violin or fiddle (same thing), and get more comfortable with this challenging instrument, both physically and musically.

  • Playing
    10 CQ
    2. How to Hold a Fiddle
    A lesson with Pete Martin
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    Learn good ergonomic methods for holding the fiddle. Knowing how to hold a fiddle correctly makes a huge difference in the comfort level for the player.

    Learn good ergonomic methods for holding the fiddle. Knowing how to hold a fiddle correctly makes a huge difference in the comfort level for the player.

  • Playing
    9 CQ
    3. How to Hold a Fiddle Bow
    A lesson with Pete Martin
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    This lesson introduces a step-by-step method for how to hold the bow for good control and improved sound on the fiddle. Plus, learn common mistakes to avoid.

    This lesson introduces a step-by-step method for how to hold the bow for good control and improved sound on the fiddle. Plus, learn common mistakes to avoid.

  • Playing
    13 CQ
    4. How to Tune a Fiddle
    A lesson with Pete Martin
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    Proper tuning is vital for getting the best sound out of your instrument. Learn how to tune a fiddle before you play, for the best results possible.

    Proper tuning is vital for getting the best sound out of your instrument. Learn how to tune a fiddle before you play, for the best results possible.

  • Playing
    10 CQ
    5. Right Arm/Hand Fiddle Mechanics
    A lesson with Pete Martin
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    The bow is the hardest thing to control for beginning fiddlers. This lesson breaks down the technique of the right bow arm and hand into small sections.

    The bow is the hardest thing to control for beginning fiddlers. This lesson breaks down the technique of the right bow arm and hand into small sections.

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3 Comments
500 characters max
margaret c
Hi Pete, thank you very much for responding so quicky. I have used Bon musica but broke it straightening it to fit in the case I had then - wouldnt fit curled up. Have a bigger case now, time to get another BM I loved the way it held my shoulder. Will contact Duane for details. Keep up the good work, you present clearly and well, plenty of close ups. My Aunt's neighbours played fiddle holding it against hip bone!
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margaret c
Hi Pete, I also teach violin/fiddle. Agree about little finger, but not about that thumb position, that is for little kids who cant manage the thumb against actual stick (not through the space however)....I want one of those chin rests, please tell me the brand and where I can get it if you don't mind. Couldn't see shoulder rest, my damned thing slips off every now and again. Violin has had a lot of playing and you know how that shoulder grip area wears away. Nothing worse. Thanks
Pete Martin
Hi Margaret, The shoulder rest is a Bon Musica, the chin rest was made by Duane Lasley of Lasley Violins . You can ask him for the Pete chinrest, he will know. http://lasleyviolins.com/ Regarding the bow grip, it's definitely a no no for violin playing, but there are a number of GREAT fiddlers who play this way. My two all time favorites (Benny Thomasson, Kenny Baker) used this grip, as did a young Mark O'Connor, who I used to watch close up at fiddle contests. Pete
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