| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Feb 17 2008 : 5:16:54 PM
I just got one this weekend. After listening to enough traditional mountain and Celtic music, I decided that was the instrument for me. My FIL's friend (ours too) lent me one of his, and now I have to figure out how to play it. I can't wait! So far I've been able to make lots of squished cat noises with it. :)
Kim |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 1:06:49 PM
One more note - when you're turning the tuning pegs, you should be pushing them inward somewhat. This keeps them tight, which prevents them from slipping back and un-tuning your carefully tuned string!
If you go to YouTube and look up "tuning a fiddle", you'll find some videos that might be helpful. I haven't watched any of them, however, because my slower-than-slow internet connection won't allow for it.
There's also this series of online videos on tuning, which looks like it might be good:
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/961_fiddle-tune.htm
And this, which is quite basic:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2191565_tune-fiddle-peg.html
And this, which has a picture of both the pegs and the fine-tuners:
http://www.andrewmercer.ca/fiddle/tuning.htm
Looking through some of these websites, I'm getting the idea that as a beginner using an electronic tuner, you might want to start by plucking the strings rather than bowing them. Doing this, you wouldn't have to have the fiddle up under your chin, which would make things less awkward.
Hope this helps!
- Elizabeth Ann
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 12:55:31 PM
Kim,
Not a stupid question! I would bow the fiddle while tuning. I was taught to tune the A string (second highest string) first, and then tune the others by ear, but as a beginner you will probably want to use the electronic tuner for all the strings until you get a feeling for how they're supposed to sound.
Does your fiddle have fine-tuners (the little tiny knobs at the base of the strings, below the bridge) on every string, or just on the E (highest) string? Mine has them on every string, and I got used to just tuning with them, which gave me an unreasonable fear of tuning with the pegs. I think I'm recovering from that, though! I just wouldn't try to force a tuning peg that was really stuck. I had a friend who broke one by doing that.
Anyway...in terms of the tuning itself, if you're using the pegs (as opposed to fine-tuners), I was taught to tune the note down a smidgen (note gets lower when string gets looser) before bringing it up to the desired pitch. I don't know why - it just seems to be easier to get to the right pitch this way. As a beginner, it might prove frustrating to try to hold the instrument properly while trying to bow it while trying to tune a string while keeping one eye on the electronic tuner! But you'll get the hang of it. Is there a fiddle player - or string player of any kind - in your area who might show you how to do it?
I hope someone else chimes in on this topic as well. I am by no means an expert, and am just describing things the way I've figured them out over the past couple of years!
- Elizabeth Ann
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 12:38:49 PM
First, I have a VERY STUPID, non-musician (yet) question. How do I tune the dang thing? I have an eletronic tuner, but do I pluck it or bow it or does it matter. And then where do I go from there?
Thanks-
Kim |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 12:37:14 PM
I found two cool online forums- www.fiddlefork.com and www.fiddlehangout.com Both seem to have a vast library of music, as well as forums, lessons and links. |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 12:20:12 PM
I think a Farmgirl Fiddlers thread would be fantastic. In fact...it looks like we've started one already, right here. :) I'd love to share some favorite tunes once you all get going!
- Elizabeth Ann
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 09:32:34 AM
I would love to know how to play the fiddle or the guitar. Once I tried to learn tp play the hammered dulcimer, but was not good at it. Guess I will have to stick to dancing to fiddle music, not playing it. :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 09:21:12 AM
Annika- I was going look at the pawn shops. I'm partial to used ones, only because I figure they have some extra character in them. The one I got from our friend Cecil is pretty loved- I need to clean it well and get the case in shape. But, I think that the fiddle,with its scratches and wears and tears, probably already knows the songs I want to play, so maybe I can just hang on for the ride.
I'd asked my FIL to keep an eye out in pawn shops for a used one, but he suggested that Cecil might have one I could borrow. Cecil is 65 and plays upright base, usually with a cigarette hanging out of the side of his mouth. So much character. The fiddle is special to me, then, because of who had it. And I'm so glad he loaned it to me. I hope that if I learn to play, he will sell it to me (he has two others and doesn't play fiddle at all).
I think the fiddle can sing, can cry, can laugh- and that's why I like it. I read recently that it was considered the devil's instrument. No wonder it seems like such fun!
Kim in NC |
| Annika |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 08:41:24 AM
I want to learn to play Fiddle..what happy music! We can start a farmgirl fiddlers thread and support blog =D
I've been looking for one for a bit used and have only found beat up looking ones that are over priced, so I think I'll have to save for a new one. What a lot of fun! Let's all play ladies.
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoonsgarden.blogspot.com/ |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Feb 19 2008 : 07:45:36 AM
I play the fiddle, and I love it! I started when I was 16 by taking classical violin lessons for a few years, just to pick up the basics of the instrument. This was a good foundation, but I eventually decided that I needed to go off in my own direction, since my teacher did not have much of an interest in fiddle music. For several years I played only in the privacy of my own home, but in recent months I have met some other fiddlers and been encouraged to participate in Irish sessions and the like. This has prompted me to work on my memorization and playing-by-ear skills, which is quite the feat for someone who has been used to playing from sheet music since the age of six! I am getting so much enjoyment out of it, though. I can't say enough about the fun of making music with other people.
- Elizabeth Ann
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 18 2008 : 1:07:18 PM
I have my grandpa's fiddle (we called him Pappy) and someday SOMEDAY..I am going to learn to play that puppy!! Right now I have 4 kids playing various instruments, 3 in piano, 1 flute and 1 trumpet. Next year youngest daughter wants to start violin. I guess my lessons will wait until theirs are done but I AM going to learn. Be sure to keep us updated. I am not interested in violin stuff either..just straight fiddle for sure if I can.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Feb 18 2008 : 12:32:10 PM
I'm fairly excited about learning. I was going to go the route of learning violin and then moving on from there, but I think I'm just going to go straight to fiddle instead. The fiddle is an entirely differently animal than a violin here. The folk/bluegrass music circles we move in mostly play by ear, so I hope I can pick it up that way as well.
I'll be certain to post how I'm doing. :) I think I'm going to grow up to be Vassar Clements one day.
Kim |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Feb 18 2008 : 06:27:08 AM
Actually it's exactly the same as a regular violin the bowing is different. DD plays violin but she loves her fiddle pieces! You can get books at the music store or find a violin teacher in your area for the basics! Have fun!
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
http://timsarmywifey.blogspot.com
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| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 17 2008 : 6:12:30 PM
I too, want to learn to play the fiddle. I bought one last year at a flea market and bought some self-teaching books. I can play a really simple melody, like twinkle twinkle or wildwood flower, but that's about it. I would LOVE to be able to really crank out the tunes!!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| kydeere40744 |
Posted - Feb 17 2008 : 5:33:02 PM
Oh that will be a lot of fun to play. It has pretty much the same chords as a mandolin. I played mandolin a while back but my wrist kept hurting due to where I broke it when I was little. Aww...before you know it, you'll be Alison Krauss. Good luck...let me know how your progress is.
~Jessica in Kentucky & Farmgirl Sisterhood #137~
Be sure to visit my blog & Crafty Clipart for some of my photographs:
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftyclipart.com |
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