Posted by mudbug on Sunday, March 25, 2012
I recently had a breakthrough in my playing. As I've stated before, I seem to improve in miimeters and even the breakthrough was no exception. It even took me awhile to become aware of it. I've been spending alot of time being aware of my bowgrip and bowing hand. As I went through my exercises and playing of tunes I would have my antenae up to be aware of my hand and hold, correcting as needed. I'm finally getting the "floaty" thing down, which I noticed on really good fidlers, or at least ones that I really like, where the hand/fingers/wrist seems to float in the air as it moves up and down. Dynamic as opposed to static. Being more relaxed is helping my tone.
I've been going through a book I had gotten, but put aside "Petrie's Compleate Irish Music" , a collection from the early 1800's. There's tunes from O'Neil and O'Carolyn. When I got it, I was just starting fiddle and mentioned it here on the Forum. Some said don't bother with it as you won't find these tunes at jams. It was a moot point as I couldn't handle it at the time anyway. There's almost 1600 tunes here and I'm going through tune by tune, marking down the ones I like, out of the one's that I can do. I'm on my second time through, in case I missed some the first time. I'm only trying the ones written in C, G, D, A, and F so that means alot of skipping since there's alot in other keys. I'm getting the hang of the different time signatures. Once I finish this time, I'll arrange the short list by key so I don't have to change key every tune. There's some beautiful melodies here, which makes me glad I've put time into reading, as it would be a shame to lose these, whether anyone else at a jam knows them or not.
Tommys dad Says:
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @7:08:05 AM
It would be a shame if all Irish music came down to a dozen or two tunes. Play and post some of favorite discoveries for the rest of us.
fiddlerd Says:
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @7:31:50 AM
I'm right there with you. Going through songs to see what I can work on. Working hard on my bow and hand position. I've had big improvements the last couple of weeks. I have a long way to go and I'm having fun getting there. Baby steps!
Humbled by this instrument Says:
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @10:00:34 AM
Steve, when I wanted to attempt some Irish stuff, I called the local Irish Session folks and they directed me to an AMAZING fiddler and teacher, probably the best I've ever had (and she's a member here but inactive). Wow did it help. I could not play jigs period before she got ahold of me. Not that I'm any great player now, but she made so many tunes FUN and I've since attended some sessions and heartily enjoyed them.
mudbug Says:
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @12:53:08 PM
Thanks, guys.
richdissmore Says:
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @1:05:59 PM
i start fiddle class soon i,m very glad your getting better i,m getting better to some day we could be at the same jam you never know. i do have a older brother that lives in mass and i will be visiting him one day soon very close to RI the old Dog track its gone he still lives neer there if i,m able to come there i,ll rent or buy a fiddle or get to use one it cost to much to fly with all the baggage i,ll be bring
Fiddlin Dixie Says:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 @1:03:11 PM
That's awesome MUDBUG! It's so hard to feel like you're getting somewhere sometimes. A lot of friends have been telling me I'm getting better and better but then I look at some of my fellow fiddlers and think "But dog gone it! How come I can't do that!" I just can't seem to rip those notes up and down the finger board like some of them. Maybe I have to many slow sweet tunes inside me. . .I just wish I could tear it up on the fiddle some day.
mudbug Says:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 @2:01:49 PM
Thanks, Rich. Cool on the fiddle class.
Thanks, Dixie. Yeah, we're each walkin' our own road. Try not to compare to others.
Bart Says:
Sunday, April 1, 2012 @11:34:53 AM
Mudbug, you are one persistent dude with a very strong work ethic for this instrument. I hope you will consider posting a few of those older, lesser known tunes. I'm going backward at the speed of light, barely playing anymore and no lessons while I try to finish up a big commitment I took on a couple years ago. Almost done...about 7 weeks to go. Seeing this blog entry makes me think I better not give up. Your dogged and structured approach (working your way through books, practicing vibrato every day, etc) is inspiring, because this instrument demands doggedness. Good for you and keep at it. And start posting audio files already! :-)
mudbug Says:
Sunday, April 1, 2012 @1:48:30 PM
Hey, Bart! Yes, I think persistance is the right word that seems to describe fiddlers. You mention that you're almost done with a commitment of a few years duration. Congrats. Our persistance shows up in other facets of life , also. I hope you get back to fiddling when you've finished with your project.
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