How to Play a Multiple String Melody on the Fiddle

Playing a melody on multiple strings creates an interesting difference in the overall melody while still playing the same tune over and over. This is easy to do with any basic melody. You simply have to raise, or lower, the melody an octave so that it can be played on different strings. You can also move the melody half an octave to create a very different change in the overall melody.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Play the melody through.

2. Make notes on where you had problems. These are the areas where you stumbled, messed up notes, notes were flat, or bowing was awkward.

3. Practice those problem areas. This basically means slowly going through that section and working up speed until you can play the section in time. Then play the section in the correct time several times to make sure that you know it. Repeat this technique for every area in the tune that you made a mistake in.

4. Focus on moving from string to string. The difficulties with a multiple string melody is that the movement from one string to another can cause squeaking or slow down your overall tempo. You want to make sure that the transitions from one string to another is perfect.

5. Make sure everything is in tune. The difficulty with playing the same melody on several different strings is that if any of the melody is out of tune it is going to be extremely obvious to the audience.