How to Find Notes on the Violin

It can be difficult for beginners to find notes on a violin. Because the strings can be touchy, it can be difficult to hit the right notes without some sort of guide. By using this guide, you will be able to not only find notes, but practice them until you do not need a guide anymore.

Things You'll Need

• Tuner
• Keyboard
• Violin
• Bow
• Strips of tape or small stickers

Instructions

Basics

1. Before you begin to find the notes on your violin, you must make sure that the strings are tuned. Using a tuner, tweak the begs until your string matches the pitch. If you have a keyboard, you can do this for the G string, D string, A string and E string. A trick to tuning (after finding the A string and tuning it appropriately) is to play 2 strings at once (say, the D and A string). Tune the D string until you hear both strings act in a harmonious fashion.

2. The next step is to find a note. Play the note "B" (after the center A) on your keyboard. If possible, get it to continuously play. With your violin, move your bow over the A string while placing 1 finger on the string itself until the note matches the note on the keyboard. Once you have found it, do not move the finger.

3. Now, pull out your stickers with your other hand. Peel 1 off, and place it exactly where your finger is on the string (on the board under the strings). After you have done this, look at your violin. Place stickers under each string in a horizontal line that follows the original sticker you placed. You now have the A note on the G string, the E note on the D string, the B note on the A string, and the F note on the E string.

4. Repeat this process for the second, third, and fourth fingers for the rest of the notes (to find the B and C notes, and to find the place for the fourth finger that can match the pitch of the next string). Do this for all notes and repeat Step 3. You have now found the notes on your violin and you can begin to practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Having someone to help play the keyboard can make it easier for you to find notes.

• Once you have practiced the notes and feel as though you can find them without the stickers, take them off.

• Be careful to find stickers that are not too strong, so that they do not ruin the violin.