How to Read Fiddle Music

There is no difference between a violin and a fiddle except for the type of music played on it.

A fiddle is a violin. The word "fiddle" is typically used in reference to the violin as an instrument by country, bluegrass and sometimes folk musicians. Over the years, "fiddle" has also come to be used in reference to a particular style of music as well, as in "fiddle music." Fiddle music encompasses elements of country, bluegrass and folk. The ability to read fiddle music requires a knowledge of the violin and its specific notation, with a focus on chord charts, which are often used in fiddle playing.

Things You'll Need

• Fiddle
• Chord chart
• Scale chart

Instructions

1. Learn to read fiddle tablature. This is the primary music notation used in the types of music where fiddle parts can be found. Fiddle tablature is simply four horizontal lines representing the fiddle's strings. Numbers written on these lines tell you where to place your fingers. The rhythm is written with the same stems as traditional music.

2. Learn to read lead sheets. In fiddle playing, many times music isn't fully notated, and the fiddle player improvises a part from a set of chords with lyrics. Until you are familiar with scales, a key chart that shows chord progressions in major keys is a valuable tool for a fiddle player. If you have a lead sheet with a chord progression of C-F-G, these chords are in the key of C major. Make up fiddle fills and solos using notes from the C-major scale.

3. Practice playing scales or fiddle lines. Cock your wrist toward you and relax it. A relaxed wrist is the best way to play fiddle lines, which are typically fast and feature groupings of eighth or sixteenth notes. The loose-wrist technique is one of the most important techniques of fiddle-style playing.

4. Play as often as you can. Select classic bluegrass or even country music, with or without fiddle lines. Adapt melody lines (the vocal part) and play it. Find free fiddle and bluegrass sheet music online or purchase it at a music store (see Resources). Practicing is the best way to improve your playing skills.

References

• Fiddle Hangout: Fiddle Instruction and Fiddle Music
• FiddleGuru: Free Fiddle Instruction

Resources

• Fiddle Guru: How to Read Fiddle Tablature