Fiddle Hangout - Playing Advice Forum Feed

Reaper

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:18:15 CST

My patience for dealing with computers is limited and more so as I get older. But I did figure out how to record myself so I could make my own backup tracks. I never had any luck getting Audacity to work and Reaper worked right out of the box. Is there a way to slow down the tempo in Reaper? There's a little slider below the track display but it goes out of tune as the tempo changes.

Quiet notes

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:37:01 CST

Hi All I am 46 years old and last Xmas Santa brought me my first fiddle. I was very pleased with the progress. (as I could already read a little music) Kicking out a few tunes and even being able to recognize some of them, until I got greedy and wanted more. As my playing improved I became evermore critical of myself and wanted rid of the intermittent whistling noises. I convinced myself that the problem lay in the budget strings fitted (fiddle is a Stentor student which I believe is of Chinese origin) or the cheap rosin supplied. So two weeks ago I fitted a new set of Thomatik Dominant strings using dominant rosin and have been very disappointed with the results. The sound is very quiet and dry sounding. It also produces a sort of rustling sound from the bow. I have tested the tuning with a Korg tuner and it says they are spot on but when I'm playing every now and then it sounds flatter than what was being produced on the steel strings. Is this caused by poor technique, badly fitting strings or something else? Any help would be greatly appreciated Cheers George

Coming out of the closet

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:55:03 CST

Folks, I finally left the safety of my little hovel in the woods and attempted to join in my first BG jam last night. I thought I was playing pretty good all alone and ready to get out there and play but the truth is I SUCK! No kidding, it was the most humbling experience! My hands didn`t work at all. Songs I can play backwards and forward escaped me and I sat there completely lost and drawing blanks. A case of extreme stage fright, palms sweating, heart palps. I felt awful and I felt even worse for the guys that had to witness and listen to this breakdown. I think I figured out what went wrong. I got out my dusty metronome and set it pretty slow(allegro) and tried some simple tunes and I could not even keep up to that! From now on I will not practice without the metronome. Believe it or not, the guys did ask me to come back next week even though I expected to be voted "off the island."

Leaning the bow towards the scroll

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:21:09 CST

I seen it mentioned in another forum to lean the bow towards the scroll,and I have noticed other fiddlers doing this,some say the bow hair is less so there's less noise,I tried it a bit today and noticed it worked well with more wrist bowing,anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Fiddle Teachers in North-East Alabama

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 14:51:24 CST

I'm searching for bluegrass or competition fiddle teachers in north-east Alabama that I can refer someone to. Anybody know of any?

I love my slowdown software!

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 7 Mar 2010 17:37:25 CST

I got interested in some videos of Blackberry Blossom that were being discussed, and decided it was time to polish up my own version and add some variations. I recorded the audio off the two most interesting videos, and opened them each in my slowdown program. First, I marked of the beats in each performance - took one time through at normal speed - about 2 minutes per video. Then I marked off each section - in this case, each four bars - basically pressed a key every fourth "one" beat. Then I took one section of four bars at a time, highlighted it, played it back at about half speed until I knew it, then sped up in steps to about 80%, using a slider control. Once I could play that section OK, I moved on to the next one, just by highlighing it. Didn't even have to pause the playback. If I had trouble with a phrase, I could mark it off using the beats that I had already marked as guides, and loop it as slow as I needed, down to 25% (really slow). If I couldn't hear the notes in a double stop, or a passing note, I could highlight that portion of a beat and see the notes on the analyzer on the bottom of the screen - without stopping or losing my place. You can use the spectrum analyzer to figure out what chords the accompaniment is playing, too. Once I had figured out all the variations and could play them, the trick is to remember them. So to get them in my head, I play the audio back at about 70% so the notes are nice and clear. Now all I have to do is practice them a few hundred times each until they are up to full speed...........[:)] I'm using "Transcribe!" from Seventh String Software, although Amazing Slowdowner will do many of the same things. The thing I like best is the convenience. I was able to break down and learn all the variations I didn't already know on both videos in two or three hours, because I was able to concentrate on the music, not figuring out how to do stuff, and the controls are all right at hand. If you like to learn by ear and don't have a good slowdown package, it might be worth investigating. Most, if not all, have a trial version you can download and try for a month or so. That's what I did when I was shopping. Topic moved from Other Fiddle-related Topics forum - wormbower

Luther Davis, Lilly of the Valley

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 6 Mar 2010 16:11:57 CST

I am heard this tune at a recent session. Apparently Alice Gerard learned it from Luther. Anybody able to point me to a source to listen to? Thanks

Hiram Stamper

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 18:04:05 CST

http://www.aca-dla.org/cgi-bin/queryresults.exe?CISOROOT1=all&CISOOP=all&CISOFIELD1=CISOSEARCHALL&CISORESTMP=%2Fsite-templates%2Fsearch_results.html&CISOVIEWTMP=%2Fsite-templates%2Fitem_viewer.html&CISOMODE=grid&CISOGRID=thumbnail%2CA%2C1%3Btitle%2CA%2C1%3Bsubjec%2CA%2C0%3Bdescri%2C200%2C0%3B0%2CA%2C0%3B10&CISOBIB=title%2CA%2C1%2CN%3Bsubjec%2CA%2C0%2CN%3Bdescri%2CK%2C0%2CN%3B0%2CA%2C0%2CN%3B0%2CA%2C0%2CN%3B10&CISOTHUMB=2%2C5&CISOTITLE=10&CISOBOX1=hiram+stamper&x=7&y=10 Wow! What an amazing sense of timing. Bizarrebizarrebizarrelyunfamiliar to me. Does anyone out there in the Internet have any thoughts, opinions, comments on his playing that might help me attain a greater understanding of his playing? Thanks.

chords

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:45:05 CST

What is the best way to play a chord with and A on the E string and a D on the A string? My finger doesn't seem to span these two strings in 3rd position like it does in 1st position.

A few thoughts about some Rosin

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 08:42:19 CST

Hello All , I have been using the Andrea Paganin solo rosin for the last two years and I have been happy with it, however it fell and broke and was getting old ,and I was having trouble finding it. So last week I had a new bridge put on my fiddle and picked - up some Hills dark. I clean by bow hairs with a cork making sure I had as much of the old rosin removed , and I have to say that the hill's rosin does not seem to stick very well at all , and my tone was very thin , I had to really dig in to get a decent tone. I generally play with a pretty light hold. I thought it could be my new bridge , so I switched back to the Paganini rosin and the tone was back again and so was the feeling I did not have to dig as hard. So why all this , well being still new to playing the fiddle just shy of 3 years , I do not trust myself as to what maybe going on with my fiddle , I was going to buy a new one and I could not tell the difference between a 20K , 5k and 1k fiddle they sounded about the same to me . So I figured I was not ready for a new one yet. [:(] But I feel I did notice a difference in the rosin , weird it seems rosin is to a fiddle as a pick is to a guitar. I thought it would be the bow , but a bow seems like it is part of the fiddle . I still do not know what my point is ? Maybe I just want to ramble and see what insight others can offer ? Yea that's it. Thanks for listening. John

One way to go about learning

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:46:43 CST

This is just going to be a ramble about some things I have discovered along the way that work for me. This will NOT apply to everyone... but some people who are struggling may find some useful bits... Learning to fiddle, for me, is very much like learning to swing a golf club. I remember standing there -- closing my eyes and thinking to myself -- "don't forget to bend your knees, keep your elbows straight, keep your grip firm but relaxed, remember to go slow and steady on your back swing, never take your eye off the ball until the stroke is finished -- and always follow through on your swing. The result of course was a 30 yard drive about 3 feet off the ground and not worth much. Oh, once in awhile I'd put most of that together and get an "adequate" drive... but only the "once-in-a-while" would that happen. Most of the time, I failed at one or more -- or most -- of the elements. I still love to golf, and I still go through the laundry list of the elements... and I'm still awful. And playing the fiddle was much the same thing. Before I'd start a tune, I'd close my eyes and go through the laundry list: 1) relax your left hand 2) make sure you're right hand is on the bow in the correct position 3) sit up straight 4) shift your left elbow when you change strings 5) angle the bow towards the scroll 6) play closer to the bridge 7) watch your timing 8) bow from the wrist 9) lift your right elbow a bit as you change strings 10) keep the right amount of pressure on the bow with your forefinger 11) remember the part about unnecessary movement of your left fingers 12) don't forget to breath Yep -- that was my "12-Step Program" for playing the fiddle. Of course, as with golf, I rarely executed many of them -- or an of them -- well or at the same time. And it finally occurred to me that I might be trying to run before I could walk (or even crawl). So now my practice is broken into 3 parts -- 1) exercises for skill building; 2) tunes the apply each of the skills separately -- not worrying about the others; and 3) Playing time -- just for fun, only thinking of the tunes with a free and relaxed mind. The result has been noticeable. Each of the elements is a "bit" more second nature. I'm not trying to concentrate on 12 things at a time. When I do get to the "playing time," I'm working from an improving "muscle memory." As I said, this might not work for everyone -- or anyone but me... but just in case it would help, I thought I'd share...

crossing between strings with bow

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 2 Mar 2010 13:43:14 CST

is there any sage advice out there on how to switch between strings without bouncing the bow off an extra one? What should you do with the wrist and the elbow? I feel like my arm is kind of hanging there in a way that isn't quite right. Thanks!

Tips on Playing Baroque Fiddle Style

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 2 Mar 2010 03:50:58 CST

An interesting article, http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe63157070650078761d&m=fefd12707d6705&ls=fde91674766c017a7d10747c&l=fec3167673620c7d&s=fe2f177171630179771171&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe591d70726d037f7615 Enjoy! chuck[:)]http://chucksmusicpage.blogspot.com/

New bow techniques and old songs

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:41:42 CST

I recently noticed that after learning the circuler wrist motion for bowing,that when I go back to older tunes I used to play Its like relearning them a far as my bow goes,I also noticed this change when I stopped using all arm bowing years ago and started loosening up my wrist in an up down motion,does anyone else notice that as there bowing progressed,there was some relearning involved approaching older tunes in the repetoire?

finally got a video up -- anywhichway bowing???

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:37:21 CST

hello... well i finally got a video up on youtube with my current experiments with "anywhichway" bowing... a term I heard here adn came to love... got the fiddle tuned GCGD and just messin' around with the new fiddle and my new laptop... which I thought would be easy to use for recording and youtubing, but was very difficult... spent 5 huours trying to figger out how to get a itty-bitty video up there... then it duplicated it... don't feel like messing with it anymore, though... got work to do that's been waiting on me all day: oh, and please go easy on me... I have very little fiddle experience, and what little I do have has been all chopped up over various decades... so I'm not so good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZsS_B_nB18

New Player

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:33:03 CST

Hello all, I just got my first fiddle a few days ago, and as a surprise my friends pitched in to buy me lessons. That being said she is a Suzuki Method teacher. So my question is will the Suzuki style hinder hoping to learn more fiddle styles? Or will the basics that I will learn from that help all the way around? Thanks so much for the help and advice in advance. Cheers.

Just bought me my first fiddle at 48!

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:42:00 CST

I bought a Cermona sv-200 to start off with should arrive tommorrow. I am a quick learner, can anyone throw out some pointers to make my fiddle journey enjoyable, pleasant and well, just a dang good time with it! Thansk guys and galick! Cletus

Anyone play for a contra-dance?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:55:39 CST

I will be doing so in mid- April and they are sending me the music. First question is, what is a Contra-Dance, and second, what should I know, or, do you have any tips. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Brad Leftwich's OT DVD's...

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:27:54 CST

I just got an email from Homespun with some of their instructional DVD's on sale, and Brad Leftwich's two-DVD set of OldTime fiddle course was $40, regularly $50. For anyone who's been thinking of getting his course, this would be a good time.

Someone straighten me out

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:18:36 CST

I am new as you know, and I have an inexpensive Chinese starter. I am beginning to make some sounds that don't call cats, but I have a question about my bow and hair. It seems that I must rosin every time I play. Sometimes several times in an hour to make the thing sound right. I bought descent rosin and roughed it up. I applied it fairly liberally , I think. I keep the strings wiped down after playing. Is this need for rosin because the hair might be synthetic? Any other suggestions? Thanks, Joe

youtubeclip extractor

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:20:13 CST

I got youtube clip extractor pro for 19.95. Now i can record the audio from any youtube video or video on fiddle hangout and convert to mp3 which can be burned to a cd then placed on transcriber and slowed down so i can hear what notes are being played. I did this with the fast fiddle on wild bill jones from the rockridge brothers. It is pretty exciting. I got transcriber from Janet davis music and it is a neat tool also. it is youtubeclipextractor.com the transcriber will slow music up to 50% and keep it in the same key. Good luck. Also I am not a technophile so if i can do it you probably can.

The heartbreak of Rosin Addiction

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:34:48 CST

Do you find yourself in need of rosin more and more frequently? Does each application seem less fulfilling and last less and less time? Do you have sleeves of rosin built up on your strings, and a white patina all over your fiddle top? Is your sound scritchy no matter how much rosin you apply? If so, you may be a Rosin Addict. Too much rosin builds up on the strings and wrecks your tone. Applying more rosin seems to help, but really doesn't. Fortunately, most folks can kick this addiction cold turkey. Get a cork or a piece of panty hose and clean your strings so they no loner drag. Then wipe your bow hair on a clean towel or washcloth. Do NOT apply more rosin. Then play, and see how much better your fiddle sounds. I'm writing this, because I have also suffered the ravages of rosin addiction, even though I should know how to defend myself. I recently almost had a relapse........[V][:0] So take it from one who has gone before..... Just say NO to excess rosin. Your ears will thank you.

increasing tune speed

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:06:00 CST

hi all....what's the secret of increasing tune speed?...[assuming of course that one knows the tune really well] Is it using bow patterns and slurs? Is it using very little bow? Is the secret in the wrist? Does it vary with the type of tune.....jig, reel etc? I don't seem to be making much progress in this regard. Thanks in advance.....

left hand shifts

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:42:23 CST

My left hand shifts up the neck almost all the time after I play a bit and I don't know why. So I hit sharp notes or miss the note entirely. Is it something to do with how I am holding the fiddle? Thanks!

Should bow be angled in slightly towards bridge

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:08:23 CST

My first teacher taught me to keep bow always slightly angled in. Which I always found a little awkward. His reasoning was you want it angled in slightly to help prevent bow from wanting to go "downhill" on the strings away from the bridge as you play. My new teacher (who I generally like much better and have progressed much better with) said you want to roll the bow such that, in the middle of the bow you are flat on the bow hairs but as you approach the frog you want it with hairs angled toward bridge. He said this helps maintain good intonation. This feels more natural and makes some sense. Then I watched a Brian Wickland Video (Melbay book) and he says looking from the top the bow hairs should always be on the side of the bridge (with respect to the bow stick). In other words angle it with hairs towards bridge. He doesn't say why though. So what's the scoop here?

Scottish Fiddle Contest

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:23:34 CST

I am thinking of entering my first Scottish Fiddle Contest.[8D] I've never entered before. Any suggestions?[8)] It is the amatuer adult section. Not very many people enter.[:0] Thanks very much.

Fingering chromatic scales

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:51:29 CST

I'm starting rehearsals for a show of Sons of the Pioneers type music, with a written score (which i don't have to follow necessarily). Most traditional fiddle tunes are diatonic, and I'm familiar with the concept of a "low" or "high" second finger, say an F or F# on the D string depending on the key (although I'd never thought of it that way). Is there a way to play pasages that might include both notes without sliding? Grow more fingers? Thanks in advance for advice.

Focus while playing

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:45:35 CST

Lately I have been trying not to drift in thought as I play,and have started predicting in my mind the next phrase I have to play,as I'm playing,it reminds me of looking at the next rung of a ladder you have to climb,does anyone else have any suggestions to stay focused while playing?

bowing exercises

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:31:00 CST

my left hand fingers go where they will - though it's getting better - but what can i do to improve my bowing? are there exercises? ... pearls (perils) of wisdom? thank you - bill

New around here

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:11:39 CST

Hey all, Just started playing about four days ago, and I wanted to drop in and say hey and thanks for all the discussions. I'm yet another claw-hammer banjo player. Everything I've read on here has been immensely helpful so far. Anyway, I've got one concern so far about my playing. I had a classical violinist set my right on the bow hold. He set me up at the very end of the frog with my thumb placed just to the rear of the grip. However, I've found it much easier to play with the same bow hold applied about an inch forward, on the middle or front of the grip. It is more comfortable for me, but I wonder if this is a bad habit or not? Are there any other quick bad habits to watch out for? Thanks and I look forward to sticking around!

Using the Bow, Phrasing, Transitions

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:45:25 CST

Beside the actual playing of one of my favorite Jay Ungar compositions, Casey Willis is teaching me something about using the bow, phrasing, and making transitions. I note particularly how is shuffles at the tip smoothly to set up the next phrase and not to run out of bow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay_kEmIX794 chuck[:)]

Fiddling induced hypoglycemia

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:54:40 CST

Anyone else struggle with this? After a solid one-hour lesson, I'm shaking and can hardly think straight. I always eat well during the day, really well actually, but I've found that I MUST have a high protein/carbo snack before a lesson or I'm ruined. It doesn't have to be a big snack - an egg, rice cake and banana seem to be a good combo for me. During the lesson I must recall from memory and play up to three songs (randomly chosen by my teacher from the 60+ we've learned, and then learn a brand-new song by ear. It makesme wonder how much glucose my brain burns during a lesson like this. I feel like I'm preparing for a 5-mile run. How does playing an instrument (in particular learning a new tune) effect the brain compaired to other types of learning or physical exertion? Discuss amongst yourselves :-)

Quabe Sisters

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:58:18 CST

Don;t know if anybody has heard of these girls. They live in the Ft. Worth area. Makes me want to through my fiddle awayyyyyyyy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC6GpzAcIDE&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOPdfd_54OY&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgRoxu6Xi50&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMvQ7MN8Wno&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmdWJwBOw8k&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SMFAp_uq4o&feature=related

blues fiddle

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:44:44 CST

I think I've found a new love.....blues fiddle! Just browsing the internet and came upon this link. Be sure to view both lessons one and two....a great introduction to the blues on the fiddle! http://www.music.jenniewilliams.com/

Eliminate needless tensions.

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:31:44 CST

Sometimes the important things bear repeating. Learn to keep the hand relaxed. I'm working on my "up the neck" or closed positions recently. For some reason i was cranking my thumb back towards the nut, pressing against the fingerboard, kind of forming vice i guess to increase pressure for my fingers. I knew this was wrong, but for some reason ive been doing it for a couple weeks now. I know the right thing is to let the thumb come forward more and let the whole hand kind of curl around the fingerboard relaxedly. I knew this, but i fought stubbornly with my vice grip. I just didnt want the classical position people to always be right on everything regarding mechanics, because it feels weird at first, but seems like they're right again. Is playing up the neck something i want to do? I believe so. Do l love first position? yes. Does playing up the fingerboard change your entire playing? Somehow yes. for me it does.

Playing whos

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:43:16 CST

Hello to all my name is sam new to the fiddle and new to this form world, but I am old so bear with me ok . It sems as if the insterument has a mind of its on like a women. One time every thing is well like water it all flows the bow and strings sing. The next time it all go to well you know is it just me?

controversial bowing

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:47:28 CST

Well I seem to be pretty hung up on controversial techniques, both here and at the banjo hangout... seems to me the drop thumb banjo issue compares well with the patterned or anywhichwayer (term I picked up here and kinda like!) bowing style over here at this hangout. I've been thinkin' a lot about bowing... and studying youtubers' bowing styles as carefully as possible... I say thinkin' and studyin' cuz I ain't got no time for actuallly PLAYIN' the doggone thing, myself... but hope soon I will get some more time to do such things. Anyway... I keep waffling... when I study hard the patterned bowing... some people are really, really good at it and make it sound cool, which I'm sure takes years of practice... but, some people make anywhichwaying sound very cool too, which, again must take years of practice... and an intimate feel for the instrument. I'm starting to think I lean back toward anywhichwaying again... also... as far as tuning... I keep struggling with getting an old sound in GDAE, a convenient tuning, vs. retuning to various other mindsets to play various tunes.... after John Morris, of West Va. told me he never goes out of GDAE... it really shocked me... his sound is so not standard tuning, ya know? So... if I ever stop thinking and actually get the chance to take the fiddle out of its case again soon... I'm now thinking there might be more of a comfort zone happening in my thinking with GDAE all the time, and anywhichway bowing... One of these days I'm planning on getting youtubes up... I did put some new strings on my cheap-o, half-toy Suzuki violin I bought in Sept., which greatly improves the sound... also got a new bow, again, better sound... now, it only chases the big rats away when I pull the thing outta the case, rather than all sized rats running. One of these days I'll put youtubes up to go with my conversations... had no idea that once I retired I would have NO spare time for my own interests... LOL! I'm working in that direction, though... I retired to play music, and I'm gonna find a way to make that happen!

weird breathing problem

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:40:41 CST

Um,...I make weird noises when I play and I don't seem to be able to stop doing it! I'll wait for you to stop laughing... OK? I'm not breathing right, I hold my breath and then grunt when I stop. When I record myself I can really hear it. This is embarrassing and it would be kinda funny if it weren't so annoying. My wife suggested an electric dog collar to stop barking, or maybe a full head mute.[:o)] Anyone else ever have this problem? Please say you did.[:D]

French Carpenter

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:28:24 CST

HI all, I've heard Dan Gellert's version of French Carpenter's "Old Christmas Morning" as well as Erynn Marshall's version at Clifftop (follow the link if you're interested:[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3t6AVKt43k[/url]) Google doesn't provide much information on French Carpenter. Anyone have information on him or any of his recordings (if they exist)? Thanks, Pete

on-line instruction videos - recommendations

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:33:00 CST

which on-line fiddle instruction videos can you recommend? i see that a lot of videos concentrate on how to play particular songs but what i'd like to learn is bowing technique - how it's used for different styles. haven't had much luck so far and my ancient mac takes for EVER! to down load. thank you - bill

audio pickup for the ear?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:19:18 CST

When you're playing in such a loud environment that you can't hear yourself playing, is there any way to amplify your fiddle into your ear? Even laying an ear down on the fiddle isn't enough.

Just started learning

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:21:16 CST

What's up everyone? I have recently picked up the fiddle and I am familiar with tuning and setting up my bow and I know a few basic scales. And I want to learn celtic style fiddle but I am having trouble finding much about it. So could y'all help me out? Any advice or web links are welcome. And thanks in advance.

Making A Tune Musical

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:34:00 CST

I have been playing Old Time and Irish music for about 3 years now. Started with guitar and mandolin, for the past year with the fiddle. I am progressing well, at least I feel I am progressing well with the fiddle. I am lucky to have tons of jams & sessions with excellent musicians to attend, so I get to hear, develop, and play in a great situation. When I am practicing at home. The notes are there. The timing, well, I work on that. The phrasing, I work to replicate what I have experienced. What I have noticed though is I have difficulty translating from playing the notes to making a tune sing, swing, lilting, and feeling. When did that transition happen for you ? What did you have to do or learn to make it happen ? Are there certain techniques/skills you focused on ?

Alex Caton

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:03:23 CST

Alex is a local here in Virginia and should be fiddler who gets much more attention than she has. She plays Old Time & Celtic tunes masterfully. I figure this is a good place to introduce a wider audience for her playing. I have no financial interests, just a fan. Here is a youtube of her http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I96ywoNhh9M&feature=channel Enjoy

fiddle teacher in pa

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:08:25 CST

we are looking for a fiddle teacher in the pocono area. my wife is brand new and wants to learn celtic fiddling. the only instructor i found didnt return my email. i know traditionally you watch a play to learn celtic music but i would like to get her a instructor to start off. thanks

How short do I have CUT my nails on my left hand?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:11:55 CST

Ok, I knew I had to trim them down, but now it seems that I might have to cut them all off..down to the skin..don't get me wrong..I know what's more Important here, but do I have to have "men lookin hands"..(NO OFFENSE ANYONE) to play the fiddle the right way or once I learn, maybe I'll be able to have a "slight over the skin" nails???

Left wrist position and how it feels

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:51:43 CST

I'm consider myself a begginer and although I've played off an on for a few years it seems that my left wrist (left hand holding the violin) seems to be overly twisted and has an un-natural feeling when I play the G and D strings. Is that normal? Is this just something you get used to after a while? I've played guitar for years and don't remember any kind of wrist stess. Thanks. Jerry M

One good thing about playing the fiddle...

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:55:30 CST

You can play even though you don't have electricity. We had a huge snow storm and was without power for 6 days. My husband and son was going crazy without TV and the internet. Me, I could play all I wanted...well as long as it was daylight.

usefull video's

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:39:06 CST

Some usefull video's on holding the fiddle, holding the bow and even how to put a shoulderrest on a fiddle. http://www.petecooper.com/tutorials.htm

Natural is best?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:40:09 CST

I think when I have played violin many years ago I was too hung up about "proper technique" and now I think that whole concept is funny. This time Im playing naturally and learning alot faster. Like some people say you should bow straight but Ive tried alot of phrases really fast, slow, and medium speeds at an angle and it seems to work and sound the same both ways. And I have seen videos of Itzhak Perlman bowing at the same angle I do about 80% of the time and only sometimes he bows straight. But sometimes there are exceptions like I naturally use the elbow for vibrato on the lower notes and I just started learning a wrist vibrato that is so powerfull it makes the arm move a little and I like that more than the elbow. Some violinists even focus on the way they breathe while they are playing and that seems kind of sad. You should only focus on listening when you have memorized what you are playing. Your body knows how to breathe alright without thinking about it. Thats silly.