How to Use the Bullseye Method for the Violin

Using the bullseye method to read music and play the violin simplifies playing so that you can quickly start to make music. The violin comes with four strings and different notes are created by placing your fingers on the strings at different positions. Translating the written notes to the right string is important when playing the violin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get a large piece of blank paper and arrange it in landscape orientation. In the center of the page, create a music staff, with 5 equal distant lines and spaces. Draw two additional lines below the staff, also with equal spacing.
2. Draw a diagonal line through the staff from the very bottom line on the left hand side up to the very top line on the right hand side very lightly in pencil. This line is your guide. Draw a circle or whole note on every line and space along the horizontal guide.
3. Fill in the center for the first whole note on the very bottom line on the left hand side. Continue up the line, filling in every fourth note. This is your bullseye. The filled notes are the notes that you hear when you play each of the four open strings on your violin.
4. Pick up your violin and play the first open string. Move your hand into first position and play. This note is next on the bullseye. Second position produces the following note and the third position will create the last note before the next filled note. The bullseye method is designed to easily orient you to which string to play and what position you need to be in.