How to Play On Songs - Fiddle Lesson

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How do you play fiddle on songs? What kinds of things can you do? This lesson is a general introduction to creating parts, fills and solos for songs.
Five suggestions on how to prepare for playing on songs:
intro to playing on tunes:
1. play the scale
-7 note scale
-pentatonic
-triads
-try with rhythmic, bowing and melodic variation
2. learn the vocal melody
-transpose
-add variation
3. play fills
4. learn the chords
5. imitate parts on other songs
-doesn’t have to be a fiddle part, might be a cool guitar part
Rule of thumb: play to the song, try to find a part that adds something without muddying it up. Look to what's already there and try to bring it out (for example, maybe you can double the guitar lead or add a harmony).
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[@gwynedhill345]

This is the best lesson ever!! you are a great teacher and I have been trying to find how to play along on songs for a long time...thanks so much. I started taking lessons 1 year ago and and I am 72. I just want to jam a bluegrass festivals and this was exactly what I have been looking for..

[@doloresnorton4427]

I appreciate your wisdom and experience. SO, helpful. It helps me connect to improv on sax and piano and apply to fiddle, which I’m just beginning. What a blessing you are!

[@maryannmontgomery9079]

You have been soooooo helpful! Thank you for all you put out there . . . your generosity has opened up so much music to this 75 year old beginning fiddler's ear!

[@fiddl3hed]

Mary Ann, there are many students who have a lot in common with you and I am so glad you found the channel. On KZbin, search for Fiddling' Phil May with Darling Nelly Gray. He will make you smile. If you are on Facebook, I have a Facebook Page where I put announcements. In a few weeks , i will have a new website that will have a great new learning guide for beginners, sheet music, tabs and other stuff you may find helpful. Keep playing!

[@ezelphillips7808]

This video is exactly the type of practical advice I’ve been looking for! Looking forward to exploring more of your tutorials - especially on improvisation/jamming

[@mariemorris7031]

Thank you........for letting me know......I'm thinking right...........you've said ....sooooo much.......Thanks again...

[@suefitzgerald9092]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your knowledge, teaching style, and resources have been an amazing asset to me on my fiddle journey! May you be happy🙏

[@christineconleyartandmusic]

Thanks for your many helpful lessons.

[@curiousgeorge555]

Good stuff fiddlHed!

[@evancarlson1449]

Very helpful videos. Thanks for posting and passing on your knowledge.

[@fiddl3hed]

Evan Carlson We’re glad you are enjoying it!

[@bryanpotter551]

Cool! I think this has to be the best tutorial on youtube! I love the method of teaching. It is very specific and gradual teaching for easy learning. Most tutorials are just hit and miss and more about how they play and there is very little teaching involved. You have a great method of teaching. I hope to see more of your videos.

[@fiddl3hed]

+Bryan Potter thanks for the kind words and stay tuned 🎶🎶🎶

[@MartinIchanmax]

Another great tutorial!! Thank you.

[@fiddl3hed]

+Masaya I you're welcome :)

[@charlieD1628]

so good! thanks.

[@fiddl3hed]

+charlieD1628 you're welcome :)

[@hakunamatatababy]

thank you fiddle daddy

[@mikegriffiths3440]

lol, nice cat Jason. you are such a lovely guy! thanks for the video

[@fiddl3hed]

+Mike Griffiths you're welcome :)

[@bobobert2559]

Really enjoy the way you teach...I'm learning a lot from you.Thanks a LOT !

[@fiddl3hed]

Bob, you are very welcome. Keep playing!

[@bobobert2559]

Thanks, it is in my plans !

[@ThatDudeShane]

Heck yeah, dude. Good job! :D

[@fiddl3hed]

+Shane tanks :)

[@GstfBrtt]

Great! Thanks!

[@fiddl3hed]

+Gustaf Bratt you're welcome :)

[@patriciajrs46]

When we children were little, our parents always told anyone of us, who wanted to learn to play, that we should learn Wildwood Flower. What song would you recommend for a beginner's first fiddle song to learn? Thank you.

[@andrewmurphy4665]

It's interesting to me that the fiddle mirrors the vocal melody, rather than the guitar or keyboard. Is there a theoretical reason?

[@georgechristie9464]

tune

[@ramanansivakumar1922]

Sir what is your name?

[@bryanpotter551]

Your welcome! I enjoy the method yoy teach. I stated out at age 14 and still have not perfected the fiddle in the way I desire. I play by ear, but the bowing always gets me on the upbeat tunes. I invite you to watch my video on youtube. Just go to Bryan Potter Orange Blossom Special and maybe you can share some pointer. I enjoy playing fiddle, but I want to play like a pro and get those pretty grace notes that reach way down in your soul. I really enjoy your videos.

[@fiddl3hed]

thanks for watching

[@terranblanchard7446]

Who's the one dude that disliked this