Fiddle For Dummies

Tackling a new instrument can be intimidating, but with this easy-to-use guide, you'll have no trouble at all! From selecting, tuning, and caring for your fiddle to mastering various music styles, Fiddle For Dummies walks you step-by-step through everything you need to start playing the fiddle like a pro. You'll discover how to hold a fiddle, master fundamental techniques, and take your skills to the next level. This title also features companion audio tracks and instructional video clips hosted online at Dummies.com to help further enhance your skills.

The fiddle is a popular instrument across many continents, and is a favorite for many because it is small and portable. Playing the fiddle can expose you to a range of musical styles from all over the world, such as Irish, Scottish, Celtic/Cape Breton, country, folk, bluegrass, and more. Plus, if you're already a violin player, you'll impress yourself and fellow musicians as you unlock your instrument to open up a whole new world of sounds.

• Learn fiddle techniques and fundamentals
• Select, tune, and care for your fiddle
• Join the folk instrument movement and master the fiddle
• Play fiddle music from all over the world

Whether you're a complete beginner or a violin player looking to branch out and try something new, Fiddle For Dummies will have you fit as a fiddle in no time.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started Playing Fiddle 7

Chapter 1: Getting Ready to Become a Fiddle Player 9

Chapter 2: Selecting the Right Instrument and Accessories 21

Chapter 3: Tuning, Rosining, and Taking Care of Your Fiddle 39

Part II: Working with Technique Basics and Fundamentals 63

Chapter 4: Holding the Fiddle and Bow 65

Chapter 5: Building a Musical Bow Stroke Sound 81

Chapter 6: Working with the Left Hand 105

Part III: Unlocking the Keys to Reading Music 121

Chapter 7: Understanding How to Read Music 123

Chapter 8: Keeping Rhythm in a Fiddle Tune 141

Chapter 9: Starting Easy with Basic Fiddle Tunes 161

Chapter 10: Getting into Trickier Fiddlin’ 173

Part IV: Working with the Various Fiddle Styles 185

Chapter 11: Developing the Irish Fiddle Style 187

Chapter 12: Scottish-Style Fiddling 205

Chapter 13: Fiddling to Old-Time Music 219

Chapter 14: Learning Bluegrass Fiddle 237

Part V: Taking Fiddling to the Next Level 249

Chapter 15: Shifting, Vibrato, and Double-Stops 251

Chapter 16: Expanding Your Ability 271

Chapter 17: Improvising and Playing Electric Fiddle 283

Part VI: The Part of Tens 297

Chapter 18: Ten Great Fiddle Players You Need to Hear 299

Chapter 19: (More Than) Ten Tips on Finding the Right Teacher 305

Appendix: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 313

Index 319

Michael Sanchez has played fiddle in many country music bands, as well as playing fiddle for the Medora Musical, a well-known and popular show held each year in North Dakota. He is CEO and creator of Violin Tutor Pro (www.violintutorpro.com) and is CEO of Superior Violins (www.superiorviolins.com).

Learn to:

• Select the right fiddle and accessories
• Achieve the correct fiddle sound
• Play in different fiddle styles, such as Irish and bluegrass

Your go-to guide for mastering this popular instrument

Tired of fruitlessly fiddling around with the fiddle? You’ve come to the right place! With this plain-English guide, you’ll be playing “The Irish Washerman,” “Turkey in the Straw,” and tons of other fun tunes in no time. Plus, you’ll learn how to apply various techniques to make the songs sound even better. How’s that for being fit as a fiddle?

• Let’s get ready to fiddle — select the right instrument and accessories, tune the fiddle, tighten and rosin the bow, and shower your fiddle with proper TLC
• Technically speaking — understand the basics of fiddle-playing, from holding the fiddle and getting a good sound with the bow to setting up the left hand to find notes properly
• The rhythm is gonna get you — find out how to read music, keep rhythm in a fiddle tune, and practice scales and exercises to develop intonation, rhythm, and musical ability
• The many faces of the fiddle — get familiar with various fiddle styles, such as bluegrass, old-time music, Irish, Scottish, and more

Open the book and find:

• Fiddle techniques and fundamentals
• How to play fiddle music from all over the world
• Guidance for violin players making the crossover to the fiddle
• The scoop on playing double-stops
• How to improvise with the fiddle
• Advice on joining a band and prepping for a live event
• Tips on finding the right fiddle teacher
• Fiddle greats you need to hear