Does anybody else have this problem?
I consider it a form of stage fright. The problem is when I play solo in front of people. Or it could be in a jam where I introduce a tune nobody else knows. So it's just me playing solo, at least for awhile. What happens is I find that I start bearing down on my bow pretty hard, to the point where it starts squeaking badly (it wasn't squeaking before I started playing solo.)
What do you do about that? How can I play with a lighter touch?
I get this too!
For me, it manifests as unwanted speed!
I have not found a cure. But since I started playing in front of others more, the nervousness is less extreme…and if I practiced playing in front of others a lot, I think I might get it down to a slight “buzz” instead of a red Panic Button kind of feeling…?
This guy convinced me to never, ever play or practice without some rhythm accompaniment. He uses Strum Machine when he's by himself. I use a cheap keyboard.
I know it seems like off-topic, but when one consistently works with a rhythm, it ties everything together. It has also improved my guitar and mandolin playing. This guy is ten times better than me, and if it's OK with him, it's OK with me. All the Best, FJ
Edited by - farmerjones on 02/05/2025 08:38:25
Yep, it's just nerves. It makes your stomach tight and then I'll bet you forget to breath. Make a point to breath deeply at points while you play, it will focus you inward and anchor you. It's natural to be a little jittery, being well prepared is the best cure for nerves.
Hmm... A friend of mine, and amazing fiddler, told me that her teacher taught her to get on board a fiddle tune like it had been going ever since it was written.
All you have to do is jump on board, like a hobo on a train. Then ride it....
Must try it some time, see if i can hop on board a tune.
Think i can see one coming.....
i think that this equates to going through the last few bars before the bow touches the strings. This would set the tempo, and feel of the tune before i start maybe?
Edited by - pete_fiddle on 02/05/2025 13:02:44
Might be hard to hop a train while petting a cat!
That's what it takes...i think...lol
Bruce I've listened to you play a Zillion times.. not exaggerating
.. If you play a tune you know intimately, just play it that way... no problem but if you are playing a tune you don't quite know as well you may be over playing.. Does that make sense.?.You sometimes exude confidence on a tune that your may actually still be working on..That could be a problem.
This may not be answering your question...or is it? Lee...
See you at Clifftop this year??
Edited by - TuneWeaver on 02/05/2025 14:13:42
quote:
Originally posted by DougDMight be hard to hop a train while petting a cat!
Who's gonna clean up all this coffee I just sprayed all over this tablet?!?
