How to Play the Fiddle

The fiddle is one of the most enjoyable instruments to learn. With a few short lessons, you can begin to make recognizable music. The fiddle also allows you to add your own personal style and flare through the use of ornamentation, which is the movements of your arms and hands to add emphasis to the music.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Tune your fiddle with a tuning fork or electronic tuner. To adjust the sound correctly, turn the key located at the top of the violin until you achieve the proper sound. This is very important and must be done at the beginning of each practice session.

2. Place the fiddle under your left jaw area, holding it down to your shoulder. Resist the urge to raise your shoulder to meet your jaw, since this quickly becomes painful. Purchase a shoulder rest if necessary to bridge the gap. It is important to not be in pain, since the position will be uncomfortable in the beginning. Hold onto the neck of the violin with your left hand, placing your fingers near the strings.

3. Pick up your bow with your right hand and run it across the strings one at a time to make music. The angle of the bow should be almost perpendicular to the violin. Play a simple, common song such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" by ear.

4. Add ornamentation to your playing by exaggerating your bow arm movement when playing a note with emphasis. Further enhance the experience by moving your body in time with the music you are playing. Foot tapping is allowed for popular music but is not acceptable for classical music.

Tips & Warnings

• Many popular fiddle players add ornamentation to their playing as they share their joy and enthusiasm with the crowd. Focus first on the quality of the sound and technique, and then you will be able to incorporate these movements into your playing.