Subject: nice tutorials

Hello Mickey,

You've a nice tutorial at folkofthewood.com ... I'm a beginner and I couldnt find an answer to perhaps a very basic and natural thing for you ..

Thanks...and we hope to do many more updates...

When I running my bow I usually run across all 4 strings to get somewhat decent sound else i get squeaky sound if i run over a single string .... are we suppose to run over all 4 strings while bowing or only 1 of the 4 strings ...

No...you really will be running your bow over one string at a time...especially as a student. Later on you might be performing double-stops...this is where your bow will run over 2 strings at a time. Almost never is there a call to run the bow over 4 strings at a time. It sounds like you might need more rosin on your bow...you might also consider personal instruction to get over the first hurdles of playing and to learn proper positioning...

Say I am pressing D string ... should I have to bow over only D string ?

Yes, depending on the song...more than likely, when pressing down one string for a note...you're called out to draw the bow over that particular string being noted.

You might also consider an instructional video to assist you along...

For a listing of Wisdom of the Wood instructional books and videos:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page645.htm

Regards,
AL

Subject: Bridge

Sir,

I have my violin which I guess is shriller than I
want, I mean while I want my violin to sound sweet it
sounds higher notes..is it because of the setting of
the bridge..should I shave it from bottom to make the
sound sweeter..or change the tuning pitch...
thanks in advance
Vikas

Greetings Vikas,

The shrillness you're encountering can be caused by a few things:
1. Type of strings...try changing them to a high-end violin brand...or even a gut core string...that will take a lot of shrillness out.
2. How much rosin you're using on your bow...be sure to use ample rosin which takes out the high-end shrills...
3. Play with your bow between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge...do not play near the bridge or you will encounter shrills...try experimenting and play with your bow strokes closer to the fingerboard for a softer tone.
4. Make sure your bow hair is somewhat loose...not overly tightened...


I hope something here helps out...Mickey

Dear Mr. Cochran,

Greetings Mahabbat,

Thanks so much for the kind words regarding our Violin Lessons section...


I'm from Azerbaijan and interested in playing the violin.First of all, I'd like to thank, thank and thank you very much for such projects you create. I can't keep from expressing my feelings. Thanks a lot.

Mr. Cochran, I think these projects means that all interested men can make use of these projects and learn playing by themselves. However, there is such a statement in Lesson 1: 'It's highly revommended when studying violin to find a qualified teacher.'

Violin is one of the most sensitive musical instruments ever created. How you hold the bow or the violin itself is critical to your progress. Developing bad habits is easy to do on violin. Yes, if you have the self-discipline, and understanding of how critical position is, and if you have the right references by video, book or website images, teaching yourself may be successful...I taught myelf to play many other instruments, including banjo, guitar, dobro, mandolin, and dulcimer...however, these instruments are somewhat easier to learn than violin...yes, you can develop bad habits on most any instrument...only, on violin, it's easy to go off the track. If you're not planning on becoming a concert violinist, and you aren't planning on playing in an orchestra, then teaching yourself may fill your needs...if you're focusing on fiddle as opposed to violin, there aren't as many strict guidelines to playing...if you're taking this up for your own enjoyment, and you understand the importance of positioning, then instructing yourself would be all part of the fun. My only suggestion is to be extra careful to learn correct positioning.

Best of luck to you in your learning efforts, Mickey


Is it really necessary? Isn't it possible to learn playing the viloin by yourself wit the help of your project? Of course, we need teachers for learning and we need leran till the end of our life. It is truth. Teachers direct us in everything. Bu, it is interesting for me, if I can learn playing without teacher or not.

Sorry for disturbing you.
Thank you beforehand.

Mahabbat

Subject: fiddle/violin lessons
My 9 year old son has had a year and a half of violin lessons. The instructor said he learns fast. We are now living very ruraly rathere than in the city and can not find a convenient instructor. Do you have some suggestions to continue on our own - videos, books? Thanks Bonnie Landsgard

Greetings Bonnie,

Since you'll be guiding your son on the violin personally, first and foremost, and to ensure you keep his interest and respect for the instrument, my suggestion would be to take up the violin yourself. This will ensure that your son is not all alone in his efforts; he will have a completely different perspective on the instrument with you pursuing it along with him. And, besides, you might find it to be fun yourself.

Yes, there are many books and videos on the market...too many to count.

My suggestion would be to look for methodology books and videos...not songbooks or song ladened videos...what you're looking to do is to build a foundation with exercises and studies. For younger students, it's still important to keep their interest, hence, it would help if you studied along with him...and, in that effort, have fun with him. Try not to present this learning process as a drudgery...let him pace himself...never force him to practice. Instead, try to inspire him to practice with small rewards. And, most importantly, give him a generous amount of praise...and, throw away all criticism.

I picked up the violin in 5th Grade...unfortunately, I also put it back down within the same year. I need not share the reason why...fortunately, I found my way back to the violin later in years...and am now inspired to continue my studies for the rest of my life.

Wishing you the best in your research, Mickey

Subject: fiddle notes??

Greetings Charles,

I'll assist if I can:

I began playing classical violin music about 12 years ago. I played with the
suzuki method for the first two books and then I got a little tired of that
music, being a west texas farmboy, and I decided it was time to become a real
fiddle player and so I began to take fiddle lessons for the next several
years.

I also studied with the Suzuki method...and still have these books in my library...

during my time as a classical violinist I learned some theory and i
could roughly play with sheet music but mostly i had a good memory and a bad
habit of writing finger numbers above my sheet music notes.

This should have only enhanced your music reading ability...since you would correlate the positions visually with the written notes. When I studied in 5th Grade, I was the only student that memorized each piece instead of reading directly from the sheet music. My teacher, at the time, kept me after class trying to keep me focused on reading the music. She was still supportive of my ability to memorize each piece, though...she only wanted to emphasize the importance of reading and understanding the written note.

the old man that
taught me to fiddle played completely by ear and so i quickly forgot all
about sheet music and i began to play by ear and memory from watching his
finger work.

As you are aware, the fiddle tradition has always been an aural tradition...songs were handed down from fiddler to fiddler by ear and memory only. As you've also demonstrated while learning fiddle yourself. It's odd how some violinists, that have learned fiddle through sheet music, still sound like they're playing a violin piece--not a fiddle piece. Sounds good unto itself, only it seems to be missing that fiddle edge.

I am now a a point where I would like to teach some
international violinist friends of mine to play west texas swing but i dont
know how to tell what key i am in and especially i dont know how to give
names to many of the notes i play.

The best way to share your knowledge with them would be by video-taping yourself...and sending them out the VHS tape...very inexpensive to do if you're not adding the packaging...

i play alot of double string notes with
variations of different fingers on each string, forming chords i guess, and
sometimes i include a third open string with different bowing techniques but
I dont know how to tell someone what i am playing. can you give me some
advice on my situation that may allow me to pass on some of the unwritten
melodies i have been so fortunate to learn under the study of my old time
fiddle teacher?

The double string notes, or double-stops, can also be written out in music. And, of course, these are usually named out as chords. For instance, when playing the B note on the A string, and the G note on the E string, you'll have a partial G chord. In sheet music, these notes written out, could be played in the first position on the A and E strings, or further up on the neck using the D and A strings. There is a form of tablature I've seen published in an old-time fiddle book which may be of assistance to you...and would ensure that the fiddler would know exactly which position you're referring to when you write it down.

It's titled: "Beginning Old-Time Fiddle" and is written by Alan Kaufman...I'm not sure if it's still in print. If you copy this form of tab, I believe your problem will be completely solved.

I also run into trouble with this when i play with other
musicians who want to play along with what i am playing but they need to know
the key or at least some of the note names in order to follow. This doesnt
work well for a fiddle player because half the time they want me to follow,
which is just fine for me, but when they want me to lead i dont know how to
help them follow. I also am an experienced guitar player but i run into the
same trouble with that instrument as well, perhaps any advice you might have
would be pertinent to both instruments but the fiddle is what i am most
interested in figuring out, thank you for your time and consideration of my
request,

To determine the key of 99% of the fiddle tunes you play, you only need to name the very last note played. If, for instance, "Liberty" ends on a G note, then the entire piece was in the key of G. There are a few fiddle tunes that modulate in the middle, such as "Fire on the Mountain"...in this case, the tune is written in two keys...however, it's a rare instance for modulation on fiddle...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Subject: Re: Fiddle Notes

Thanks so much for the information, Your advice has given me a good window
into some things I need to investigate. I think I will try to record some
songs on vhs, I have a few tapes from Byron Berline and Michael Doucet that
teach fiddle songs using the vhs method. I am fortunate to have members of
my family that are good friends with both of these extraordinary fiddle
players. If you ever get a chance, if you havent already, Byron Berline puts
on a music festival that highlights fiddle players from all around the world
once a year in Guthrie Oklahoma where he lives, it is a big fiddle contest
and general bluegrass festival. He has a great fiddle shop there called the
"double stop fiddle shop" in downtown Guthrie. Well, I much appreciate the
consideration you gave to my inquiry,
Charles P Kolarik

Subject: Violin


Where are the sharps and flats on the violin?

Thanks, Schamir Belhomme

Greetings Schamir,

We do have a violin lesson section...so far, due to time constraints, we've only been able to put up diagrams of the major scale positions...

Here's a slide show that lays out the first position major note positions:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/2violinmusic/sld001.htm

We're currently working on further diagrams of which will encompass the sharp/flat positions of the violin fingerboard. Please stay tuned with us...

Here are some notes on theory that may assist you further in your learning endeavors:

Playing sharps and flats are dependent on the key position being played...for instance, a G major scale will have one sharp note: the F Sharp...the C major scale will have what is considered all natural notes without sharps or flats. Both scales still have the exact same scale intervals with a half step between 3 and 4 and a half step between 7 and 8. Sometimes sharps or flats are played separately outside of the tonic key being played; when this is done, they're called passing tones. For instance, if you were playing in the key of A, and wanted to play a chromatic scale, you'll play all the passing notes, along with the major scale, which would encompass all sharps and flats from the A note up (A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A)...this would be all 12 tones of the Western Musical Language...

Another consideration is determining when to address a note as flat or sharp. This would be completely dependent on the tonic key of a song. For instance, if a song is in the key of A, all passing notes would be addressed as sharps. If a song is in the key of Bb, the passing notes would then be addressed as all flats. This can mean that the note Bb in the key of Bb would be addressed as a flat...while, in the key of A, the Bb note (which is the very same note) would be addressed as an A#...

This only touches on theory...however, knowing and learning theory will assist you in determining the positions on your violin fingerboard. I encourage you to study music theory as you progress on your violin.

Wishing you the best, Mickey

Subject: Can you help?

Hi. I have recently learned to play the violin. The problem I have having, besides constantly having to tune it, is when I am playing it sounds sqeaky. It doesn't have a warm sound at all, to me anyway. Do I not have enough rosin? The brand of violin I have is a Berkly. Is this a good violin? I am renting it but the cost is $1000.00 for the violin new.

I just want the sound to be warm, steady and not sqeaky. I have cds that I play along with and the violin on the cd has a warm tone, mine is aweful, and it's in tune. What is my problem? Unless I just love the violin so much that my ear is accustomed to hearing those real expensive ones.

Please let me know as soon as you can!!
Thank you, thank you,
Sheri Herrell

Greetings Sheri,

Glad to assist if I can:

Many violins will have tonal characteristics that differ even within the same makes...some fiddlers look for a scratchy sounding violin; most violinists look for a deeper resonance with warmth...such as yourself.

There can be other contributing factors to your squeaky sounds:
1. The rosin cake was not properly started so that it will rub off on to the hair...this only requires some sandpaper so that there's dust on top of the rosin cake before you apply it to your bow...too much rosin will cause a scratchy sound; too little rosin will cause some squeaky tones and usually more of a whisper than a clear pitch...be careful not to use any type of cleaner or oils on your bow hair...

2. Be careful to keep your fingers from touching adjacent strings while drawing the bow...this will most definitely cause some squeaky overtones...

3. Make sure that your bow hair is properly taut...there should be a slight bounce to it...and the back ark of the bow should still show up slightly...

4. Make sure that you're pressing down with the tip of your finger as you play...if you let up even slightly, you will not gain a clear tone...

5. Make sure the bow is being drawn directly where the fingerboard ends...there's usually a sweet spot on every violin...if you draw the bow too close to the bridge, the tone becomes tinny and harsh; if you draw the bow too far up the fingerboard, you will not have good presence tonal quality...

6. As you draw the bow, try tilting it slightly away from you as you play...this will create less contact between the bow hair and the strings...and will usually soften the tone slightly...

Hope something here helps you...Mickey

Subject: How do you play the scales of the fiddle?


I am a beginner and I would like to know how to play the scales of the fiddle.

Thanks,

Sue

Greetings Sue,

The best way to learn scales on the fiddle would be as follows:

In order of importance:

1. Having a personal instructor...

2. A video that is oriented to methodology as opposed to teaching one song after another. A video that focuses on technical aspects of learning to play with scale studies and exercises.

3. Instructional books that teach music fundamentals and note reading followed by scale studies.

We hope to add more lessons on fiddle on the following lessons section:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

At the very least, the C Scale is taught with visuals...

At your disposal, Mickey

Subject: fiddle

\
Hi,
I was reading you're web page and I did not find anything on the way to learn the triad's so that I can learn to Improvise on the fiddle. Can you help me in that area ? Thanks.


SNUFFY. 


Greetings Snuffy,

Thanks for your interest in our lessons page...we're doing our best to update these pages...please stay tuned.

In order to learn triads, I would highly recommend finding a book on violin theory...one that teaches scales and exercises...upon gaining facility with scales, and triads, you'll find improvisation will be more easily accomplished.

Good luck in your research...Mickey
--

i have been playing violin/fiddle for 23 years and would like some advice on perfecting techniques. I
have trouble playing due to a hemi paresis in my left side. I have trouble with vibrato and position changes and have not done a lot of study with position,except when it is called in a piece.. I only took lessons for 7 years.and no one to teach.

Vibrato is a difficult technique to achieve...and usually requires years to have a natural facility. I was told once that by bracing the peghead against the wall, while holding the violin as you would normally, assists in focusing on the left hand...as opposed to having to hold up the neck while attempting to move the hand back and forth in a vibrato fashion. Additionally, concentrate on rolling the tip of the finger slowly...don't attempt to apply a vibrato too quickly.

May I suggest that you look into the many videos available for developing violin technique.

Try: http://www.melbay.com

or: http://www.elderly.com

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: A few Question that i would like to ask


Dear Mr. Cochran
I would like to ask you a simple question about tuning the violin. Every time that i have to use the violin.. it is always untuned by a semi tone or a tone for each string because the tuning pegs are loose...is it normal for this? or is it suppose to be tighten at all times. Could you please give me some advice on this please.

Also could you explain to me what exactly is tremolo..i have read the information given on your site but i dont quite really havc a clear understanding of what it is..is it when the left finger is moving back and forth on a note?

Thankyou, I look forward in your reply

Elisha

Greetings Elisha,

Glad to assist if I can:

1. Tuning your violin: The wooden pegs on your violin are susceptible to moving slightly...they are 1:1 ratio based on friction to hold tuning...therefore, the slipping you've described is normal.

One thing we always do before sending a violin out is to add "Peg Drops"...this is part of our set-up procedure...and, we believe everyone should keep a bottle of this at their disposal. It will prevent the pegs from moving after putting your instrument away...there's still a slight chance that the strings will pull down the peg a slight amount; however, it will most definitely minimize the peg from slipping...this is also great when attempting to tune with your pegs. I've found it makes the general approach to tuning a violin far less frustrating.

If the peg drops do not work for you, you may have the string windings on the peg incorrectly installed.

2. Tremolo for violin: The tremolo is a created on violin by rapidly moving your bow with up and down strokes. This gives the effect of a mandolin...

3. Vibrato for violin: This is created by your left hand on the fingerboard...by rolling the tip of your finger on the note/s being played, you'll have a warble effect...which prevents long drawn out notes from sounding flat...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: Questions on Violin/Fiddle

Hello Mickey,

Greetings Doug,

I would like to say thank you for providing those intro lessons on your
website. I thought I was playing the F note position incorrectly according
to the diagram in an intro book I have as it showd the position for both the
F and B notes off the E and A strings in the exact same place. I kept
finding the F note to be just forward of the nut on the E string and not at
all in the adjacent position to the B note which was more forward.

Your diagrams clearly showed me that I was right. It can be awfully
frustrating when you are not sure of something when just starting out. Nothing worse then miss information so thank you much!!

Thanks so much for the testimonial...we'll post it on our website...it's nice of you to take the time to commend our efforts...


1. When I store the violin/fiddle for the day or possibly longer should the
strings be loosened each time? I do relax the bow. And thanks for the tip
on how tight to make the bow as I was overdoing it.

Strings can be kept taut when the violin is put away for up to 30 days at a time...I would loosen them if it's stored for more than a month at a time...or when it's transported in any way...


2. How much pressure should be applied to the strings when playing to get a
clear note?

The pressure applied by the tip of the finger should be very light...you should not have to add any force whatsoever as you would on a guitar or mandolin...


3. How do you deal with finger tips that can cover 2 strings at once when you
need one string to be open?

This can be advantageous when attempting to play double-stops...such as the Em position...where the D and A strings have to be played simultaneously...

And, it can be a disadvantage when trying to avoid adjacent strings...which need to be played open...

I would highly recommend making sure that you're fingering is coming down directly over the string and that your thumb is somewhat placed to the backside of the neck...this ensures a good angle and minimizes your playing fingers from touching adjacent strings...


4. If you were to recommend a Tuner that you could tune the violin with and
also use it for learning the correct finger position of the scales what would
you suggest that would do the job well without getting into a lot of $? Would
it be any better then a Korg CA-30?

The chromatic Korg tuner will do you fine...it has a built-in speaker that is very accurate for analog tuning...I use one myself...it will also measure your intonation as you practice scales and songs...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: Hello


I wanted to thank you so much for the web site - I am a 40 year old woman
who has dreamed of playing the violin since I was a child. My mother
insisted on my learning to play the piano first.

I hated the piano.

Could you answer a question for me? On the E string, F is placed right off
the fret in your illustrations, but I have seen other illustrations that
place F# a full step off the fret - but do not illustrate F at all. Why is
this?

Please understand that I just got the violin yesterday, and am just
beginning to learn to read music...

Again, thank you for helping me with my desire to learn to play the violin.
I can't tell you have much it is appreciated.

Sincerely, Joanne Conger


Greetings Joanne,

Glad to assist if I can:

Thanks for the kind words regarding our website.

The F is directly one-half step behind the F#...therefore, both illustrations you've seen are correct. When playing a C scale, the F# would not exist within the scale form...when playing a G or D scale, you would find the F# and not the F (natural)...

This essentially involves some music theory to understand...in light of this, my recommendation would be to focus on memorizing one scale pattern at a time...and, the finer aspects of music theory will take form over time. Be sure to remember to have fun with the learning process...enjoy the journey and you'll find the learning process facilitated.

At your disposal, Mickey

Subject: violin positioining

I know there is no right way to hold the violin, but I have trouble finding the position most comfortable for me. The current position I have is placing the violin between my left shoulder and collar bone and gripping it with my chin. But this causes a strange problem: my shoulder always seem sore and weak after a couple of minutes and I am not raising my shoulder. Can you give me some steps to finding the most comfortable position? Kevin
--

Greetings Kevin,

There's a simple solution for you...as opposed to changing your entire approach and trying to develop a completely new, comfortable position, invest in a shoulder rest. There are shoulder rests that are tremendously comfortable, and some that are not. Look for a shoulder rest that serves as a pad...these rest softly on the shoulder without any hard surfaces...another shoulder rest that's tremendously comfortable is the one offered by Knilling. These are ergonomically designed and form-fit to the shoulder of each unique individual.

Let me know how this works out for you...Mickey

Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 15:39:08 -0500
Subject: bowing

I have recently started lessons again, and my new teacher wanted me to practice smooth bow whole bow strokes this week. However I can't get my bowing to be smooth. When getting from middle to the tip of the bow, I hear and feel this quivering and the bow loses slight contact with the string. It is very annoying and no matter what, I can't stop the shaking. Does this problem just take time to correct or is there something I'm not doing?
--

Greetings,

Glad to help if I can...

Bowing Technique How to attain a drawn out consistent tone from frog to tip:
1. Always be sure to be holding the bow with all 4 fingers properly placed along with the tip of the little finger placed carefully on top. This helps balance the bow so that it doesn't wobble back and forth.

2. Be sure to be drawing the bow directly where the fingerboard ends with a very slight tilt.

3. Because you're only quivering from the middle of the bow to the tip, it makes me suspect that your bow is too light. Think about this, from the frog to the middle of the bow there's more weight than from the middle to the tip. Therefore, try experimenting with a heavier bow...or, try adding a slight pressure with your index finger as you draw the bow across the strings (this should help solidify the balance of the bow).

Let me know if any of the above helps...Mickey

Subject: question


Hi, my names Claire and I am 14 and a half years old. I started playing the violin 6 years ago. When I started learning how to play, I had a brilliant teacher, but then I moved and have slowed down in my progress. I completed my Grade 2 exam and had a private teacher for a while last year, but decided to give up and just play for fun. I still play in a 'Celtic fiddles' group at my school but I have forgotten some basic techniques. For example: before I 'gave up' I was learning how to do vibrato and I now cant do it at all. I would love to improve on my violin playing and hopefully get up to Grade 5, but I don't know how on my own and I certainly don't want to lose my ability to play my violin. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve/ how to keep my enthusiasm up.
Many thanks, Claire

Greetings Claire,

Glad to assist if I can...

My first suggestion would be to check out the vast selection of Violin/Fiddle instructional videos available. Go to: www.melbay.com Be sure to check out Ed Marsh's selection...he's a great teacher...vibrato would be next to impossible to teach through a book...and, although a video will never take the place of a live teacher, learning vibrato can be accomplished through video instruction.

I've found that videos are very inspiring and certainly will give you the inspiration to practice far over and above static material such as books.

Wishing you the best in your research, Mickey

From: "Lara Gochin"
Subject: please help!


Dear Sirs
I am writing a novel in which one of the characters plays the violin, and
not being a violinist myself would like some clarification, if possible, on
some points. Would you be so kind as to clear up these points for me:

a) is it possible for a four-year-old child to being learning violin, eg.
on a child-sized violin?

Most definitely...this would more than likely be a 1/4 or 1/8-size violin...additionally, the most popular method for this age would be the "Suzuki Method".

b) which pieces are customarily taught to beginners, specifically
children?

Again, the Suzuki Method would be utilized. Many of the pieces would be simple folk songs from all over the world, and some very light classical pieces, along with major scale exercises.

Could you give me the names of three pieces - beginning
beginner, intermediate, and advanced?


Beginner: "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"
Intermediate: "Long, Long Ago"
Advanced: "Gavotte by Gossec " "Beethoven Minuet"

b) which are common classical pieces (just one or two titles) played by
young violinists?

Beethoven's Ninth: "Ode to Joy" & "Greensleeves"

Thank you so much for your help.
I will most definitely acknowledge it in the dedication, when the novel
comes to publication!
yours faithfully
Lara Gochin

Thanks for the offer of a dedication...Mickey

From: "Fransiskus Susanto"
Subject: help


I have been practicing violin for seven months. I already can play it. But I wonder how can I make the vibration sound like the pro. I already tried many ways but it sounds so ...
Can you help me please ?
thunder_watery@hotmail.com


Greetings...one of the best resources I've found for vibrato technique is the following work: http://www.drdowningmusic.com/index.html

We hope to be carrying a selection of these titles soon, so please stay tuned.

Vibrato would be next to impossible to teach within one email...and, it would be very easy to develop a bad habit trying to teach yourself this technique...Mickey

Subject: Playing Fiddle double-stops

Hi folks,
I have just found you web site, and it is great one.
Is there a trick to playing two strings at one time as in Southern old
time style fiddle music? It seems that changing notes on any of the
strings when playing, the string that is being fingered is pushed away
from the bow. Is this because my bridge is too high, or not the same
contour as the neck?

Hello...

Thanks for the compliments regarding our site...

For playing double string notes on a fiddle, also called double-stops, requires that you draw the bow down so that it touches both strings simultaneously. If you're having trouble achieving this, it may be that your bridge has too high an arch. This would be truly rare since most every violin I've ever played, I can achieve double-stops. Here are a couple of ideas for you:
1. Try adding just slight pressure with your first finger on the bow. This may bring the bow down just enough to hit both strings.
2. Try loosening the hair on your bow slightly so that it gives when attempting to play two strings simultaneously. This will ensure that the bow covers both strings even if your bridge is highly arched.

Please get back with me if the above doesn't work for you...

Many fiddlers will flatten their bridge to ensure that a double-stop can be achieved. I would recommend having a qualified violin repair person do this for you...

Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran

FIDDLE QUESTION
I've always fancied playing the fiddle, but its lack of frets has rather put me off.
Is there any form of temporary marking system for the fingerboard that would make it more
akin to playing the mandolin for example which has the same tuning?

Also I know I'm showing my ignorance here, but can play any form of chords on a fiddle?
I think I read somewhere that some folk players use a horizontal bridge instead of an
arched one for this purpose?!


Best wishes - keep up the good work

Tobe R.


Hello Again Tobe,

Now we'll tackle your fiddle questions:

The fiddle can be the most difficult stringed instrument to learn to play...mainly, due to the fact that it's fretless.

Many have marked their fiddles for note placement on the fingerboard with colored tape...so, yes, it's possible to at least mark your hand positioning; although, keep in mind, it can turn into a crutch...my personal opinion would be to use your ears to find the notes which will advance you to a higher level more rapidly. I took up the fiddle/violin only a few months ago and am having a fun time working through the learning process...I've played most all other stringed instruments for 25+ years. Of course, this has helped me through the biggest obatacles in learning the instrument: theory, intonation, timing, etc. In fact, the mandolin finger patterns were easily transcribed to the fiddle...the hardest part I've found were the bowing techniques. Regarding playing chords on the fiddle: Most definitely! Chords can easily be played on a fiddle...an arched bridge can impede this, even so, some virtuoso violinists would have no problem playing a three-note chord on a standard arched bridge...my bridge is slightly flatter than a standard arched bridge but not near as flat as many fiddlers keep theirs...I would recommend to learn fiddle/violin with a standard arched bridge for a couple of reasons: 1. If your bridge is too flat, you'll find yourself bowing adjoining strings unintentionally. 2. You'll gain more facility with your bowing technique by forcing yourself to go at different angles to reach a string...your bowing hand may become lazier with a flatter bridge since all the strings can be reached at the same relative angle.

Hope the above helps...

Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran

Subject: Folk of the Wood Answer (was Re: Violin tuning)

Mickey,

I am a novice guitar player who has just borrowed a violin to satisfy my curiosity about that instrument. It has not been played for a long time, and I went to the net to look for information on tuning. Yours was the first site with tuning information in it that I found (I was surprised at the lack of information). I would like to make one recommendation. Even though I now know that the stringes are tuned G - D - A - E, I don't really know the difference in pitch between the strings. Is the G the first G below middle C on the piano, and so on. I usually tune my guitar using a A-440 tuning fork to get one string (A or D) right, and then tune the other strings from the tuned string, using:

Low E string, 5th fret == open A string
A string, 5th fret == open D string
D string, 5th fret == open G string
G string, 4th fret == open B string
B string, 5th fret == open high E string

Is there a similar technique for the fiddle?

Hello,

Sure, you could reference open strings to closed position on violin...unfortunately, it's hard to find the exact closed position unless you've already been playing for years.

The low G string on the violin is the exact same as your open G string (3rd) on your guitar. This is the G below the middle C on piano. The D string on your violin would be the same note as your B string on your guitar fretted at the 3rd fret. The A string on your violin would be the same note as your E string fretted at the 5th fret. The E string on your violin would be the same note as your E string fretted at the 12th fret (I use the harmonic at the 12th fret to ensure a clear tone without influence by bad intonation).

Mickey