Different versions

Different versions of a tune. How do we choose?
One of the biggest worries and challenges to a beginner fiddler is how to deal with the fact that every tune seems to have multiple versions. If you’re going along to your first session, and have learned a handful of new tunes to play along with the other musicians, how do you know whether they will be playing the same version you have been working on, and if yours doesn’t match up, what do you do?
In this discussion I will try and get to the bottom of why there are so many versions. I’ll look at in what ways they can vary, in which playing context this really matters, how to approach choosing and learning a new tune and, surprisingly, how in the long run this is not a problem at all but a huge opportunity.
A full transcription of this essay is available on my Patreon page (see below).
Below are details of further fiddle resources from Chris Haigh
1. Patreon
2. Books
3. Subscription video courses
4. Website
5. Email to request pdf’s.
1. PATREON
This is a platform where anyone can directly help to support creative artists and get closer access to their work. You can join me on Patreon at three levels, for £4, £10 or £40 per month.

At the lowest level you get access to all my pdf’s and tune collections, plus many exclusive tuition videos not available to the public.
At level 2 you can join also me once a month for a group Zoom chat, and can request three backing tracks each month.
Level 3 gives you all the above plus a free lesson once a month, and access to all my backing tracks.
You can find me on Patreon at
/ thefiddlechannel
2. BOOKS
I have eight fiddle tuition books published by Schott, all widely available from the publisher, from Amazon, and many other outlets. All come with audio tracks illustrating the tunes and exercises.
Exploring Jazz Violin
Beginning Jazz Violin
Discovering Rock Violin
Exploring Folk Fiddle
Exploring Klezmer Fiddle
Hungarian Fiddle Tunes
French Fiddle Tunes
Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle
You can order from
bit.ly/31ZWmgm
3. VIDEO SUBSCRIPTION COURSES
I have three video subscription courses
-
MUSIC GURUS- Exploring Jazz Violin. Based on my Schott book
Parts 1 and 2 are each £26 for 26 lessons, covering the first and second halves of the book
Part 1; tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
Part 2 tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
MUSIC GURUS Discovering Rock Violin. . Based on my Schott book
£35 for 46 lessons
tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
MUSIC GURUS Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle. Based on my Schott book. 31 lessons for £31.99
tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
ACADEMY OF FOLK
Includes a folk fiddle primer course, with introductions to basic techniques and concepts plus an Irish Fiddle Course and Scottish fiddle course. A monthly sub of $9.99 gives access to all lessons
academyoffolk.com/
4. WEBSITE
My website is probably the most extensive and detailed summary of fiddle styles on the web, as evidenced by the range of top hits on Google for many fiddle styles.
www.fiddlingaround.co.uk
__________________________________________________________
TO REQUEST PDF’S, or ask any questions, CONTACT ME AT
[e-mail]
00:00 Introduction
00:57 The nature of traditional music
02:05 The tune title
03:43 Tune structure
04:55 The Key
05:51 Songs and singers
09:49 The Session
11:46 Playing for Dancing
12:20 Stage Performance
16:26 Learning multiple versions?
17:31 The Core Melody
19:09 Conclusion

[@BrendanPowerMusic]

Wonderfully droll and informative, Mr. Haigh 😉

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Brendan!

[@johntait491]

Interesting and informative Chris. For Irish music, TheSession is a very good source of tune variations, and the comments that are related to that tune, give one a variety of settings from which to "cut and paste", as indeed is this excellent channel. :-)

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks John!

[@poppyk1431]

A good example of a tune renamed to better fit the place it is being played is Whiskey before Breakfast, another is Whiskey Hornpipe which musically is the same as Off to California. I also find that I modify a tune to make them easier to play based on my ability. THATS why I appreciate you creating a simple version of your postings as well as a complex version. Thank you for all you do for fiddling.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Poppy, you're welcome!

[@houstonsam6163]

A fantastic essay that I'll be watching many times. And the illustrations add so much to it as well.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Many thanks Sam!

[@arfyf6314]

Fascinating 👍

[@msspi764]

The natural inconsistencies of traditional music drives my musician brother nuts. It’s what I love about it because you have to listen to the other musicians and adapt. During the Civil War the political divide was reflected in changes in the names of tunes. Seneca Square Dance, for example, became Waiting for the Federals.

[@twicecactusman]

Can’t thank you enough for this. I am a very experienced musician in multiple other styles but have been inspired to get into folk playing. Since I have some experience on the whistle (albeit not stylistically correct) I’ve been looking for videos covering exactly what you’re discussing- the tradition, the history, etc. What I’ve found is that the top 2 most “Popular” whistle content creators are nothing more than people with good video editing skills who own and “Review” different instruments. They don’t appear to have any knowledge of the tradition or skill in the style. If I wasn’t a good musician, I’d have no idea and assume that this mediocrity is what I should be striving for. I’m not a violinist but I naturally gravitate towards fiddle player’s interpretation of these musics so I took a chance and found your bowing techniques video. It is very clear you speak from a position of both knowledge and experience and I’m grateful you are sharing that with people like me.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Many thanks- good to be appreciated! In Irish music unison is the thing, so fiddle versions and ornamentation will be useful for a whistle player, even if the mechanics is very different!

[@andrewferrier7235]

Super job choosing the artwork. It'll be worth a second viewing!

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Andrew. The artwork was fun!

[@jonathanmullaney-yz8my]

Thank you for taking the time to put this documentary together Chris. I,ve really enjoyed your previous ones too that are all really informative and interesting, John.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@dmcmac9619]

Wonderful insight professionally created and delivered

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks. Glad you appreciated it!

[@jlay]

Excellent information & presentation, Chris! I make a practice of seeking out and winnowing down to a "core tune" as my starting point, and I like the way you explained that.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@eternalchord]

Very informative, filled in a lot of gaps for me.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks David!

[@FindingAlabama]

Brilliant video well done👍❤️

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks!

[@kevinfarrellUK]

You may recall I asked this very question and you kindly answered and alluded to a future video possibility. And here we are! There has been a dribble of water passed under the bridge for me in that time, and I am less fitful concerning ‘versions’ and learning that more is more in that sense. Adaptability and an empathic ear are key skills to learn and embrace. That road, in of itself leads to yet more skills on its way. As you say, this endlessness is a core component to the folk tradition. (Now…. What was that phrase I woke up with this morning… hmm… da dada ddum… no… da daa dum dum… no… dum dada da…. Sighhhh….. )

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Hi Kevin. Thank you for starting me down this particular train of thought. An interesting question leads to an interesting answer!

[@ogstopper]

As an aged newcomer to the fiddle, I really took a lot from that essay. Thank you, Chris.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

You're welcome!

[@NSBarnett]

10/10 for this video

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Many thanks!

[@CarolineTheFiddler]

I take my fiddle and a Bodhrán.

[@goldenbergconstruction1656]

The key is in the first few minutes of this vid. Don't over think it.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks. Though I'd say it's in the last few minutes!