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How to Play the Fiddle

You are viewing an Expert Village Video Series:

Learn how to play the fiddle, including how to hold the bow and fiddle, play songs for beginners and the differences between a fiddle and violin with expert music training tips in this free online instrument instruction video series for beginners.

There are 15 videos in this series:
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Views: 52,326 Videos in Series: 15

Tags: diy, country, bow, beginners, fiddle, folk, violin

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Summary: Playing a violin in a certain way is referred to as playing the fiddle when folk and country music methods are employed. Fiddle playing, or fiddling, is a popular in dance halls and intimate gatherings and usually involves a large amount of solos. Throughout time, fiddling has traditionally been an encouragement to dance, and the fiddler himself often takes part in the celebration. The style of play is much different from the style of traditional violin playing, and it involves a bit more twang and country music feel as bow variations and types can alter the sound of the violin or fiddle as its played.

In this music lesson video series, our expert will discuss all of these facts and give you an introductory music lesson on the fiddle. Learn how to hold the bow and the fiddle, ways to create notes and the means by which you can create an earnest fiddle twang like a pro. Learn to play beginners songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and tips on foot movements, jig bowing, and ornaments. Included is a brief explanation of the differences between a violin and a fiddle.

About the Expert

Contact: DavidKaynor.com

Expert: David Kaynor has over 30 years of fiddle playing experience. He currently teaches and plays the fiddle in the Connecticut River Valley. He can be often found calling music and playing at the Montague Center and Guiding Star Grange in Montague and Greenfield, Massachusetts. He is also actively involved in the larger regional and national contra dance and folk scenes. This year Kaynor was on the teaching staff at Northern Week at Ashokan, NY, for the nineteenth time and at Contra Dance Musicians' Week at the John C. Campbell Folk School for the sixth consecutive year. Please visit www.DavidKaynor.com for more information.

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