How to Play the Left Hand Position in Fiddling

The type of music you play may determine differences in the left hand position when playing the fiddle. People who play classical music on the violin often use a different position than someone playing bluegrass on the fiddler. Additionally, you may see individual differences in left hand position among musicians.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fiddle
• Bow

1. Rest the fiddle on your collarbone, supporting it under your chin and over your left shoulder. The more support your chin and collarbone can offer, the more freedom your left hand has.

2. Bend your left arm at the elbow so that the neck of the fiddle rests in your left hand. Be sure to keep your wrist straight to support your fingers and give them more flexibility.

3. Cradle the fiddle between your thumb and the middle knuckle of your index finger. Keep the thumb low on the cradleboard to allow maximum mobility for the remaining fingers.

4. Curve your fingers over the strings so that you can press on strings with the pads at the end of your fingers. This produces a better tone than pressing fingers flat against the strings.

5. Move the fingers, not the wrist when you play different notes on the fiddle.

6. Keep hands and fingers relaxed and flexible to allow playing the fiddle for longer periods of time. Tense fingers tire quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Both a chin rest and a shoulder rest make holding a fiddle more comfortable. These items may also keep a fiddle from sliding.
• Keep your bow in top condition by keeping it clean, and apply rosin before playing the fiddle.