Bill - Posted - 09/06/2008:  14:42:35

I realize a lot of people use them and perhaps I'm lazy but is there a way to "figure them out"......

"Never met a fiddle I didn''t like." anon

mikey - Posted - 09/06/2008:  14:58:09

Try starting with open string drones. Use the lower open string if you're on a first or third finger. use the upper open string if you're on an open or second finger.

In very "basic" practice, your doublestop/drones should be an odd harmonic to complete the chord. eg. 1 , 3 , 5, 7 ( your first note being a one) just count your fingers going up or down,

MIKEY


Always Remember: You are Special and Unique...Just like Everyone Else

bj - Posted - 09/06/2008:  15:07:43

You can also check out a mandolin chord book and just translate them into two string "chords", if you need a visual cue. Me, I just find 'em with my ears.

There are some common patterns that produce good double stops on standard tuning. Second finger on lower string, third finger on higher string is one of those patterns. You can use it on any two strings.

^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^
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transplant - Posted - 09/06/2008:  16:40:39

I also like first finger on higher string, third finger on lower string.



kindly remind me what I''m supposed to do with this thing, now

Dick Hauser - Posted - 09/07/2008:  07:32:51

Knowing the basics of scale theory and chord theory allows a fiddler to easily understand which notes can be used to create double stops for specific chords and their extensions. Browing through a good book on the basics of scale and chord theory would benefit most fiddlers.

I have a fiddle theory book that one listmember, a professional fiddler/violinist, is using to teach her students. It is a Mel Bay publication titled "Hokum - Theory and Scales for Fiddle Tunes and Fiddle Improvisation". Another excellent instructional is available from the Peter Mitchell (Petimar Press) website.

Before any flames start, I AM NOT saying don't learn how to play things by ear. In addition, I AM NOT saying don't learn to play things using notation. I am simply saying that a basic understand of scale and chord theory will enable you to understand how and why things are done, not just remember left hand finger positioning.

gulfguy