8 Fingering Tips to Help You Sound AMAZING On The Fiddle

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

You're an amazing teacher sir!

[@DoNotWant1234]

Little Lift: 0:45 Stop and Finger: 3:00 Plucking: 5:00 Tuning Check: 6:30 Throwaway Bow: 7:40 Two Bow Practice: 10:54 One Note Practice: 11:52 Two Note Practice: 13:25

[@rikstavale]

The lessons are a good length. You tend to repeat concepts throughout the lesson approaching it from different perspectives so if someone wants to stop early, or have a shorter lesson, they can stop early or after your first time through the concept. Often I'll listen to the entire lesson then decide how much of it I want and practice. Well done.

[@fiddl3hed]

+Rik Stavale thanks for the feedback.

[@darlenefreedman4349]

Fabulous teacher. I learn so much from your lessons and keep going back to them for practice.

[@fiddl3hed]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you found the channel. Happy Holidays!

[@ogstopper]

What a great teacher. Thank you, from across the pond!!

[@CarloBenevissi]

I seriously need this guy as a teacher he seems cool af

[@blainesenior9981]

I just wanted to thank you for your generous efforts by sharing your talent and knowledge. I struggle but continue loving the fiddle and learning the art. You are a blessing.

[@fiddl3hed]

Blaine, hope you are still watching and playing. We all have gone through the struggles! Cheers!

[@09mrdon]

These are really valuable practice tips. Thank you. I really appreciate the care and time you give all of us!

[@fiddl3hed]

You're welcome :)

[@blainesenior9981]

I am looking forward to learning that tune. I appreciate your teaching more than you know. Have a blessed day!

[@skunx8600]

Sometimes I'm like "wtf is he on about?" but it all comes out clear in the end. You have a really personal way of teaching, very "down-to-earth". I like it, I will try these tips and tricks as I'm relearning violin from when I was young (but now want more 'fiddle' than classical violin)

[@fiddl3hed]

Glad you found the channel.

[@bobbrawley9439]

Rae Bies classical violin has to be easier because there is far less double stops than fiddle playing . if someone can play double stop fiddle that's topnotch violin playing . I'm floored by Vassar Clements , didn't know a lick of music reading but beat the Champions at their own game

[@skittermagoo]

Love this channel! I'm trying to integrate more basic drills and exercises into my daily practice, and I'm finding your tips and exercises to be a great supplement to my private lessons. I really like your teaching style a lot.

[@fiddl3hed]

Thanks, Chris. Work on your scales, too. Remember tunes are just variations of scales. Most people find them boring but working on scales a little before working on tunes really does help. Cheers.

[@johnmathews4855]

When I first started listening to you I thought this will go no where. Then something happened. Thankful for your help. I like your style of teaching.

[@mjsandor]

Great tips! Wish I would have known them since the beginning of my fiddling..thank you!

[@fiddl3hed]

Thanks for the feedback. You are very welcome.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

I took 8 years worth of lessons.was getting real hot. Got burned out. Took a long break. Getting ready to restart again. Your channel will be an awesome help. It's easy to get a classical teacher,difficult to find a fiddle teacher....it has its benefits.... I can read music and decipher rhythm. If you want some fun,on utube,check out SILENZIUM. A string trio from Russia. Hear the awesome cover they did for the KISS song I was made for loving you.... Absolutely fabulous also check out silenzium northern lights. The Jaw harp is frequently used in both Siberian and Mongolian shamanism. I Honostly think you'd love it!🎻🎻🎻🎻

[@fiddl3hed]

Audrey Muller Thanks for the recommendations!

[@warrenmyrick97]

Thank you for teaching. Very generous and it works well for me.

[@fiddl3hed]

warren myrick Thanks for fiddling with me👍🎻

[@tysmotherman7047]

honestly I think they are an okay length. I wouldn't change a thing. I can not read standard notation. so your tabs and playing it slowly with explanation, is exactly what I need to learn.

[@fiddl3hed]

Thanks for your feedback

[@lindathompson195]

I enjoyed these techniques. Thank you for the caring way that you teach. You have such a natural way of teaching because of your kindness and humor. I have listed to several but always come back to yours. You keep it interesting and give good tips.

[@fiddl3hed]

+Linda Thompson you're welcome :)

[@petromic1947]

Thanks for the tips

[@ksrhrieber95]

most of my 4th finger notes sound weak and frail, love the throw away practice, thank you!

[@rayc1211]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@fiddl3hed]

Welcome Ray...

[@ariromher]

Thanks! I found your video to be very useful. Will continue practicing. Saludos from Mexico City!

[@Orthanderis]

Realized today that I have trouble keeping a straight bow and it took me almost 3 hours to figure out what I was doing wrong... I knew you would have some kind of exercise to fix it

[@fiddl3hed]

+Orthanderis try playing in a mirror

[@Orthanderis]

That's how I figured it out, lol. Realized my bow hand was wrong so I went in front of the mirror and realized my entire bow arm was crooked and throwing off the entire system

[@richcibelli1445]

Another great lesson, Thank you!

[@evaholden1329]

I play violin style..soft and slow..with a strong desire to convert my playing to more fiddle without exactly knowing how. Thank you for helping me know!

[@fiddl3hed]

Eva Holden That is great you are getting so much out of our lessons!

[@colinhesketh4710]

These lessons have become so invaluable to my progress in Fiddle playing. Thank you Jason (and long suffering Kitty)lol Merry Christmas to you. See you in the new year.

[@fiddl3hed]

Colin, enjoy your holidays, too. So glad you found my channel and it has helped with your fiddling. Did you know I have a FiddleHed Facebook page? We are currently having a request event. If there is a particular tune you are interested in learning, go to the Facebook page and list it. It might be the next video.

[@blainesenior9981]

I am my friend. I still struggle to get the smoother sound I desire, but I am progressing. In time I hope you will post a simple version of Piney mountain like we spoke about. I am learning alot from your teaching. Thank you for all you do for us. We appreciate your talent! Have a blessed day! I am encouraged by your videos, and may start some teaching videos on claw hammer banjo. music is a joyful art!

[@fiddl3hed]

Piney Mountain is still on the list! I've been busy redesigning the site but look forward to adding more tunes. Sorry it is taking so long but I only have so much time to devote to this even though I love doing it. Thank you for your positive feedback!

[@blainesenior9981]

I appreciate your kindness for considering my request, and keeping in touch. I enjoy learning from you. God bless!

[@fiddl3hed]

:)

[@fiddl3hed]

Blaine, did you know we have a FIddleHed Facebook page? There is a request event going on there this week. Go there, look for the post about the request event and list Piney Mountain. If it is in the top five, it might be the next video.

[@tysmotherman7047]

I've learned more from your lessons than any place else. I thank you, thank you, thank you! It would be awesome if you would do some lessons on cross tuning.

[@fiddl3hed]

Eventually...

[@fiddl3hed]

do you think the lessons could be shorter or are they an ok length?

[@clintonhartman1928]

@@fiddl3hed perfect length

[@johnf7137]

Brilliant- I vote yes

[@Soumen793]

Can you make a tutorial video for "staccato technique.." ?

[@karenward9832]

Great. Getting me started, love the techniques and the pace....😀

[@fiddl3hed]

Karen ward Glad to have you fiddle with us 🙌🙏

[@batypist8675]

perfect ideas, thanks!

[@fiddl3hed]

You're welcome. Glad to know these videos on technique are helpful. Cheers!

[@patriciajrs46]

Finger coordination and clear, concise sound. Where did you place the learning tape? Could you introduce the tape to chord/note placements?

[@Kig505]

hummmmm impressive !very very good

[@Crimsonvalleystables]

great lesson. looking forward to more... after more practice. lol

[@fiddl3hed]

Glad you found the channel. Go at your own pace. No race going on here...at least for fiddle playing....

[@mikecaul4216]

Thank you so much for these very helpful tips! Linda Caul

[@fiddl3hed]

you're welcome :)

[@leonbeauchamp6515]

Great channel. Thank you.

[@fiddl3hed]

Leon, so glad you find these KZbin videos helpful. There are hundreds of them I developed over the last several years. I also started a subscriber site at fiddlehed.com. The KZbin lessons will continue to be available but the site has guided lessons with tabs, play alongs, etc. You can have free access to the site for the forum, blog, request list and the first few beginner lessons. There is also a Fiddlehed Facebook page. Cheers.

[@MartinIchanmax]

Thank you always.

[@fiddl3hed]

For suresies :)

[@fiddl3hed]

Be honest: do you think the lessons could be shorter or are they an ok length?

[@MartinIchanmax]

FiddleHed To me, this particular lesson can be a little shorter, but it depends on the person to watch, I guess.

[@rickpick9058]

+FiddleHed Keep up whatever you do. It always makes for some of the best fiddle instruction available.

[@frankguindon2316]

I,m picking up my fiddle next week and at 70 l think l still think there,s time to learn as we have plenty of time on our hands !😎

[@rebeccawhitt8120]

Frank Guindon never too late to start. It is a rewarding hobby.

[@patriciabocchino8398]

69 years old just starting and loving it

[@AlyshaCleavinRandomGal]

your great !!!!

[@fiddl3hed]

So are my students, Alysha. Smiling.

[@bobbrawley9439]

Do you have a video that explains how to go. from one double stop to the other. I'm talking about both notes finger . and when the second double stop involves a third string. .. Is the bow slightly lifted off the string between double stops or does the fingers slide over the string to the next double stop?

[@fiddl3hed]

Check out videos on string crossing and fingering, might answer your question, will soon have more videos on fingered double stops.

[@bobbrawley9439]

Ok thanks

[@raphaellaw766]

thank you!

[@fiddl3hed]

You're welcome :)

[@fiddl3hed]

Be honest: do you think the lessons could be shorter or are they an ok length?

[@tydees]

I really live your videos and your teaching. I think they are the best on KZbin. Just curious, do you have any videos on the bridge set up and technical parts of the violin. I recently had someone tell me the strings on my violin may be to high and may be causing some of my struggles. Thanks.

[@fiddl3hed]

+Tydees thanks for the kind words.i don't have videos or much knowledge on that. try to find a repair shop...

[@DoNotWant1234]

In a case like this, I would recommend visiting a repair shop if possible. Since you would need to go there anyway if you did indeed find out that your bridge/action is too high, you might as well start there.

[@patriciajrs46]

Very good tips. Thank you. When a person practices properly how long does it take before you can play a full song? Like wildwood flower?

[@Wolfiemlm]

Just impulse bought a Violin aha, needed to watch a few videos due to never playing an instrument before and Im finding your videos interesting, they really help, so thank you for that. Because of you I can play (or should I say I know where the notes are) to Greensleves, need alot more practice aha. Thanks again!

[@fiddl3hed]

Peter-John, great way to start a new year. I am getting ready to launch a new website but if you go to jkleinberg.com you will see beginner's guide that should be helpful. The new site will be ready in the next couple of months. Keep playing. Cheers.

[@pswapnavaruna7353]

nice

[@timothkeyyprice]

Are the 3 pieces of white tape on your fiddle to help students see placement for notes, or do they serve some purpose for you? Laughing that they are frets to improve intonation, but not serious.

[@fiddl3hed]

They are basically like frets. They help you get close to the right note but you still have to use your ear. do you think the lessons could be shorter or are they an ok length?

[@timothkeyyprice]

+FiddleHed Thought that they were probably visual cues for the student's benefit. For me, the length of the lessons is perfect. You thoroughly cover the tunes from intro to completion in one lesson, but then follow up with intermediate and advanced sessions... each about the same length and new material content. Really couldn't ask for a more perfect and pleasurable session. Gaining sufficient speed and accuracy are the really the hard tasks for me. Loop, practice... loop... am gaining:-) Thanks again.

[@fdllicks]

my new yrs resolution is to practice this yr doing the "little lift" thing. I lift too much. I need to learn economy of motion

[@DanielLizzama]

Ah, the bow. It is something.

[@niralipatel9075]

It's a too good tune. Can you please share the notes for this tune? I would love to play this tune!

[@NotJenOrJane]

The song is "Kesh Jig" and you can find the notes here thesession.org/tunes/55

[@juanlagossanmartin4511]

hermoso

[@fiddl3hed]

Gracias

[@clawhammer704]

You've got a bent pinky finger just like I have...

[@jrw4986]

Why does this guy seem like a stoned Johnny Knoxville? 😂. Seriously though, good lessons

[@reverendslim2641]

Honestly he reminds me more of Ketch from ocms

[@MrPleasantpheasant]

Stop and finger is common practice in most US airports.

[@TheCristianotube]

I'm sorry... but I'll have to disagree with the "little lift" exercise... fingers have to come from above the string as much as possible... they should never be so close to the string otherwise you lose finger flexibility and independence on your hole hand and on each finger ... Doesn't help with coordenation either...

[@DoNotWant1234]

Actually, it does. Try playing a fast passage while dramatically lifting your fingers from the strings and see if you can get them back there in time for the next note. The classical violin tutors will tell you the same thing, or watch great violinists play and tell me if you see their fingers flying off the strings. If it's good enough for someone playing Paganini, it's good enough for me.