shal0mnurh0me - Posted - 11/29/2009:  10:42:12

Is the fiddle one of the harder instruments to play? Because I think that's gonna be my next instrument. Not for a while though till I have a steady hold on banjo, but I'm still thinking ahead. I heard that it's really hard to play in different keys or tunings..or something along those lines. Anyone have any input?

Thank ya

catty - Posted - 11/29/2009:  10:48:30

Yes, fiddle is one of the hardest instruments to learn. Depending on the style one plays, it can be difficult playing in various keys (but, don't let that stop you from trying )

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/g...?groupid=109

http://www.fiddlehangout.com/

Edited by - catty on 11/29/2009 12:13:36

Banjoitus - Posted - 11/29/2009:  11:44:56

Please, step away from the fiddle, lest you do irreparable damage to yourself, or someone you love.

Cotton-eyed Joe - Posted - 11/29/2009:  13:29:41

[quote]
catty
Yes, fiddle is one of the hardest instruments to learn. Depending on the style one plays, it can be difficult playing in various keys (but, don't let that stop you from trying )

Take a look at:
http://www.fiddlehangout.com/

Ninety percent of the technique of good fiddle playin' starts with the bow hand...
The finger board hand only prepares the strings for what the bow will bring out...
'appy pickin'

steve davis - Posted - 11/29/2009:  14:26:16

Get a good teacher.

mjmckeon - Posted - 11/29/2009:  21:06:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by steve davis

Get a good teacher.

---

flake - Posted - 11/29/2009:  22:41:32

You'll put your eye out, kid.


mike

dmiller - Posted - 11/30/2009:  01:18:01

shal0mnurh0me - - - yup, fiddle is kinda hard to play/ learn because you're (basically) tackling two instruments at once. The bow is the second "instrument" (if you will). If you know someone (or can find someone) who plays classical violin, hire them as a teacher to show you the basics as pertains to the bow handling. Make sure you tell the instructor what kind of music you want to play and that you want to learn basic technique in order to facilitate that.

Playing in different keys can be hard, but not so different than any other instrument. If you're anything like me, I look at the inlays on the banjo neck as a gauge of where to put the fingers or not during a song. When I use a capo, that tends to throw off my "reckoning" for the fingerboard and it's a bit harder to just go to the correct fret without thinking about it.

G, D, and A are the three keys (on fiddle) that utilize a lot of open strings, so those are (relatively) easy. When you get into the keys of Bb/ B/ etc., then you'll have to "re-think" your fingering just the same as you would have to do on the banjo. Luckily - - - a LOT of fiddle tunes are in either A/ G/ or D.

Good luck when (and if) you take up the fiddle. They are a ton of fun (as are ALL bluegrass instruments).

heyjude - Posted - 11/30/2009:  05:01:42

Aha! I read your bio before answering the question. As a professional guitar teacher you should have no problems with the fiddle. Like mathematics, learn the basics thoroughly. You gotta learn to add and subtract before you do the algebra. It does take some practice time, quite a bit really. Joe Dobbs told me a long time ago that when practicing, if you stand in the same place everyday by the time the shadow of your bowing arm wears the varnish off of the floor you'll be a "purty good" fiddler.
Since you already play the mandolin you already know a lot of fiddle tunes. Angeline the Baker is a good one to start on IMO. Good luck, have fun, play nice.

Jude

Kenneth Logsdon - Posted - 11/30/2009:  06:29:54

Well, I tryed for a week one time and the old lady said if I'd quit she'd never say another word about the banjo.. Worked out fine..
Stepped on the tail of the cat walking around trying to get the bow going, she said the cat sounded better!!

dingo - Posted - 11/30/2009:  07:07:53

I had not much trouble starting, didn't even use the cheaters on the frets and was picking up the notes, but for some reason it was hurting my shoulders and upper back, I wish I would of started it back in my 30's. I probably would of gotten over the pains, but with the dulcimer, celtic harp and banjo, my spare time is full.

Feo - Posted - 11/30/2009:  07:52:37

Hey, if these guys can do it .. so can you !

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...iccolor.JPEG

Trewq36 - Posted - 11/30/2009:  08:48:19

Yep, Not an easy one to learn.
I found my biggest draw back was no one would ever let me practise enough to get any good at it.

"Oh, do you have to do that now?"
"Can't you do that some place else?"
"My ears are hurting"
"The cat sounds better"
"I can't hear myself think"
"I'd rather hear finger nails on a chalk board"
"Here's a Quarter, go see a movie"

shal0mnurh0me - Posted - 11/30/2009:  17:56:56

Thanks everyone for soo much feedback. I've been watching alot of fiddle vids on youtube as well as reading some threads at the fiddlehangout. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try it, if it doesn't work out I have an extra instrument in my collection. I have my hands full with banjo at the moment. Maybe in a year or so. Thanks again everyone. If you have anymore suggestions I'll listen!

backtothefuture - Posted - 11/30/2009:  18:22:21

Since you list your occupation as Guitar Teacher, I would think you would have a bit of a head start on people that have never played a string instrument before.

I also am guessing that you are familiar with reading some kind of music notation, and this would also be of help to you. Happy plucking and good luck!