Episode 17: Teach Yourself Fiddle

Jenna plans to take away some of your fear or hesitation associated with learning the fiddle as an adult. Using the Nativeground.com method of learning my ear and tab reading - you can learn without lessons or knowing how to read music. Nativeground is NOT a sponsor, I just adore these guys and Wayne's books. I can't recomend them enough to beginners .

[@JMthewriter]

loving your background singers

[@duckwithoneleg00]

Thank you for making this. Non pretentious music lessons are life saving I swear

[@comparticello]

As a professional musician I couldn’t agree more: music belongs for those who wants to make music 🎶 great video!

[@janseendiguiseppiThomasMC]

100%!!! I'm 100 % self taught on guitar, harmonica, mandolin and now learning the fiddle! Once you grasp the basics of music theory it all crosses over. I only do it for my own enjoyment. Music is my life saver. When I need to unwind I put on a backing track and jam all my problems away

[@Christianflowarts]

The name tho. Based.

[@robertwalker8910]

You made the world better by making this video.

[@michaelwoolums-music6650]

I play clawhammer banjo, but recently bought a fiddle that I’m trying to figure out where and how to even start to learn it. I’m completely clueless with this instrument..... but I swear I’ve learned more in these past 9 minutes from your video, than I have from watching a dozen others. 😂 Thank you for this. 👍

[@BushRealtySC]

Can't begin to say how many times I've watched this video. I bought the book and in week two of learning on my own, I'm playing this tune (roughly)! 61years old and LOVING the adventure of learning the violin. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@OutBoardTink62]

Hello BRSC read my above comment if you want to know the truth about learning the fiddle I have lived it for over 40 years Glenn P.

[@isaacezekielthecolorblindg7343]

BushRealtySC fiddle*

[@jazzye6493]

I'm 67 beginner fiddle player. Blue grass DAddy has an easy song Boil Them Cabbage down. And Red Desert are both great youtube fiddle lessons for all levels.

[@jazzye6493]

@@kathygerulaitis I'm 67 and doing the same. Enjoying the process.

[@sylviamorison766]

BushRealtySC what is the name of the book and where do I order it

[@auchlowtrus9300]

“Thanks turkeys” lol

[@lindaj5492]

5:43 “That’s it! That’s all there is!” Wow! I’ve just had my first fiddle lesson aged 60+ and that statement just made my day! Thank you 🤗

[@fentonjames]

But it's wrong. Learning to use your pinky should start from the start.

[@beckymassey4272]

We bought my daughter a fiddle for her high school graduation present She never took one lesson The fiddle has sat on a shelf for the past 2 years I’m 51 and love bluegrass and Appalachian music You’re video has inspired me to pick it up and try I haven’t been able to find anybody to give me lessons in our small South Georgia town but with your book recommendations I am going to give it a try Thanks 😘

[@AntiCommunistMarine]

North Georgia here, play on!

[@ernestblanchard4408]

wow I think you talked me into getting a fiddle like your style a lot

[@1404714047]

Jenna, You were my first fiddle teacher and you did inspire me! I am still playing, now going on year 3, and it is sooo much fun! Thank you for opening this door!

[@jwoginrich]

That makes me so happy!!

[@johnnybx3254]

Enjoyed your enthusiasm for playing the fiddle! Keep on smiling!!!!

[@pjm8433]

Girl your fixin to teach me how to play my fiddle. My sweet son bought me one a few yrs ago & it vanished so I’m buying me another one next week so you’ll be my teacher coz I like your style your atmosphere & your gobblin turkeys. So yeah I’ll be back next week.

[@shannonmcsurely6956]

Love the turkeys and the lesson..I have a fiddle on its way! YOu are a star of encouragement-thanks!

[@susangahr1312]

so exciting to find a teacher that can teach people that don't read tab or music! thank you for being on utube.

[@jeffreygamble5783]

You’ve inspired me one to buy the book and two to learn the fiddle. I played classical violin for 6 years when I was younger, lost touch with the violin for awhile and now I look at the music and I’m completely lost and confused but I know I still got an ear for it. Thank you!

[@Alphons72]

Briliant in all it’s ease. Thank you for sharing this inspiring video!

[@caiocollalto]

I loved absolutely everything about this video!

[@seankrieg]

You are adorable! And inspiring! Thank you so very much for sharing! Love the turkeys!

[@lauralbriar]

I have taught myself all the instruments I know - most recently irish whistle and mandolin and over the last month I bought a fiddle! I'm able to play a little - and it was such a joy to see your video! I've subscribed!

[@mikefinley4367]

Such a great instructional video offered by a pleasant instructor with encouragement from direct experience . Saved this one. Bless Idaho and love the hat. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@twoturtles44]

I am just starting and have hesitated to pick up my new fiddle- but now I have my first steps! I think you're an awesome teacher and this young at heart performer thanks you!

[@HelterSchecter]

Thank you for the book recommendation. I'm loving it. It really puts things into perspective and makes me look foward to learning the songs. Well back to camp fire girls..thanks again

[@loreleipepi3389]

you're such a great gal, and thanks for being so generous with your fiddle tutorial! The turkey commentary was hilarious,

[@jamesmcglynn8363]

Love your style Jenna. You cut out the fear factor for beginners. And its about enjoyment and self fulfilment. Long may you run. Shay. Dublin Ireland.

[@flpirate4565]

Thank you for your inspiration. I'm going to order my first Fiddle. I think I love you.

[@coopart1]

I know this is an older video, but i stumbled on it while thinking about learning to play fiddle. You, young lady convinced me to try. Thanks, I now have one and the book you recommended.

[@masterkaylarommann5469]

This is literally the best video ever, sincerely a 35 year old who had owned a fiddle for 15 years but never tried to play

[@lesliebenson3013]

Awesome, encouraging video! And I love the turkeys!

[@michaelpetersen6721]

57 yrs old ..I purchased a Fiddle on eBay for $ 30. I need to buy the chin and shoulder rest now. I purchased the book Old-Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus by Wayne Erbsen.

[@pablo6305]

You did great. Love your shuffling.

[@connieratti.ADBestyoucanbe]

You were delightful and encouraging... thank you

[@jodymusic]

Thank you! You’ve inspired me Just bought my daughter her first fiddle yesterday I love your attitude Love from Australia xxxx Fiddle Camp sounds fun!!

[@marrascapacha]

Awesome video, lesson, background and background music! Very inspiring!

[@katierichards1521]

Feeling homesick for Appalachia and excited to learn fiddle. Thanks for the confidence that it can be achieved!

[@steviebshomesteading4042]

Wish I found this months ago I could have used this. I'm doing pretty good, but your video reminded me I need to replace that broken string and get back to that! Thanks for the motivation!

[@tonniecrane3726]

You are very inspiring 😊♥️✝️ thank you

[@joelwilliams8209]

Awesome video, wasn't sure about trying to learn this but you were great at breaking it down to being fun! Thank you

[@morganlydic5486]

I love this and you are a wonderful teacher!

[@marffvmarffv5438]

Thank you so much for your video which makes me inspired to restart playing violin and maybe to try to play the fiddle way. After some bad experience learning with old time strict teacher your video is a good fresh air and push to play and take pleasure and fun to learn instead to get frustrated ! So I pickup again my violin and let us play ! Thanks a lot, merci beaucoup fron France.

[@Peteamareet]

Thanks so much, you helped me get started on fiddle.Wish you good life and happy days

[@cabbie0kanagan]

Just happened upon this, and wish I'd seen it 8 years ago when you made it. I'm also self taught and read no music; now 70 years old. Though I finally have a repertoire and neighbors encourage me to play on the porch so they can hear it, in the beginning I couldn't progress past 3 simple tunes and had no confidence. Even then however, I knew the fiddle was one of my most valuable possessions and always would be. When you love it, it keeps you going; and you're never too old. (Btw, love the turkeys!)

[@tinchapeltextiles]

thank you lovely lady, I am learning fiddle this winter xxx

[@tedadams5448]

Your video is right on girl. Your explanations were precisely done and I learned more from this than any other I watched

[@andys6592]

good insightful video for the complete "ignoramus" who's looking at a fiddle now and also starting to learn banjo also. love all the animal sounds in the background also!

[@bobeichelberg7715]

Great video and intro to the fiddle. Thanks!

[@JohnWilliamsTheBeardedWelshman]

Just found your channel. I just got my fiddle in the mail. And, I am going to learn how to play. I already play guitar so I'm hoping this is going to be just as fun

[@sewfuntosew11]

Would you consider doing a series of videos on playing the fiddle. Fiddle camp may not be an option for some people.

[@CharlieRando]

What a great video! I wish more people were as positive as you about sharing the journey of learning a new instrument. I’m a fiddle ignoramus for sure, but I’m ready to start. I play guitar so the fingering is like guitar upside down. Love the turkeys! Thanks!

[@yendorofny]

My Granddaughter didn't do well with the clarinet and started out with the violin. 4 years later, she asked about finding her a violin. I'm 58 and enjoy the sound of either upbeat fiddle or violin playing so, during this national shutdown, seems like the "perfect time" to learn! Thanks for the video!

[@rickharks4515]

thank you for the helpful information, l am 58 and have always wanted to play the violin (fiddle) so for Christmas this year 2019 my hubby got me one, l don't read music, so l have order that book you mentioned on your video. Can't wait for my violin to come in to start making music.

[@frednawrot4197]

HI I am back again this time to get inspired to play some more...You seem to be my go to girl on the fiddle. Thank you .

[@joeganzy9816]

I rented a fiddle for a local music store and your video has me on fire to learn, what a way of inspiration you have.

[@whitey0o5]

Lol you make me smile. The beginning of this video was perfect. Not sure how I went from watching Lost Dog street band videos to this but I’m thinking my next stop is eBay for a fiddle.

[@lestatventura9736]

I love the landscape simply beautiful more playing the violin

[@miko993st]

The best video about teaching yourself playing fiddle in the entire world :D

[@ladykws]

I am mighty inspired. Thank you!

[@Liz_4Him]

This was awesome! I am bed ridden recovering from an illness and have wanted to learn to play the fiddle for like a decade. I can already play piano but I long to play some bluegrass fiddle. This video has inspired me to buy my fiddle and learn with all this extra time in bed. Thank you!

[@tgabriel716]

Im obsessed with you and this awesome video!! I got discouraged when i got my fiddle because even the "beginner" videos were so advanced. It was frustrating. Everything about this video was encouraging and made me laugh and feel more confident. Thanks so much! Please make more im subscribing!!

[@RayRand]

Those turkeys are so rude! I think you did a fine job. I don't have my fiddle yet, by I also ordered one from Ebay for about $30 and can't wait til it get's here. Been watching fiddle and violin lessons in the meantime. I bought a banjo a couple weeks ago and been watching banjo vids as well.

[@RusstickDoom]

Thank you, thank you, thank you - So Inspiring!

[@mariawoolrich5549]

I have ordered the book and look forward to getting it. Thank you for your encouragement. I'm 67yrs and have never ever played a fiddle. I've been given an old one so hopefully I'll be able to learn it.

[@knuckle47]

I truly enjoyed this. You wonder if anyone is inspired...yep, I am and look forward to your video

[@oxfords1]

I just started learning on my own and I do have that book. I did find someone on youtube, her name is harriet from proam strings who gives free lessons. She's English and very good, taking everything step by step but I love your video and I appreciate you for taking the time and inspiring us. You are a gem, although this video has been up for over 8 years I hope that everything is going well for you.

[@Wadedotdotdot]

This was so encouraging! Thanks so much!

[@gunmetalglitter4060]

I got sent over by a recomendation from Michigan Snow Pony. Today I decided to check out all your videos that have an episode number attached. We started with one.... now at seventeen.... I love ALL of them. Seriously, your passion shines through and I adore your sense of humor.

[@jwoginrich]

Gunmetal Glitter Oh thanks!

[@paulgrammas1011]

I loved this video of yours. I just ordered my first violin today and happened across your website. It’s love at first sight! I will order old time fiddler for the complete ignoramus even though I am a big dummy book dude 😅. When I get my fiddle next week, I’ll come back to your site for more. Thank you for being here!

[@shanevincek364]

You are so very inspiring. Thank you for this. Love the Turkeys(gobble gobble)

[@sherrylomas5431]

Thank you! You take the fear out of playing.

[@pablo6305]

I'm 45 and just inherited my grandpas old stratavarius copy from the 20s. I just got strung and pegs right. I' have played mandolin for year or so so I'll get it. Thanks for your time.

[@pablo6305]

I'm still sucking the bad end of sound . It's horrible.

[@pablo6305]

I forgot to say I play mandolin but I can't bow... can you slap me a hint. This has been a screech. I can't figure out fflw into next strings help me.

[@jessicamccomb6831]

You are so lovely. Thanks for making this!

[@coldfoampodcast]

Ordered the book! Thanks so much for this video. Gave me a lot of inspiration. I was struggling.

[@dakotahlavender]

O.O when you touched the hair.🤣❤️❤️

[@jeffreycarlson7431]

I’m 75 am I always wanted to play the the fiddle or violin so last week I looked at Amazon and bought one with two books. Thanks for your encouraging words. Jeff

[@jilthorp1249]

Love your great attitude.

[@AwakenedGrayce]

Love this video! You inspired me to go ahead with my decision to buy and learn the violin/fiddle. Please make more on playing! I hope to make fiddle camp one day but until I do I'll look forward to possibly more "How to Begin Playing the Fiddle"?😁

[@yodapugbugington598]

Was wondering mountains you were in. When you said Idaho my heart danced with Glee. I aquired a fiddle, had it restored and just left it on the wall past few years. Decided to try and learn a tune and this is the first video I've watched. Gonna learn me some mountain music. Thanks from Boise.

[@lindagoulder8934]

Thank you, for showing me how to start learning fiddle, your tips will really help me when practicing.😀

[@coyotecreekblues6935]

Your video inspires me to try the fiddle once again. I have a fiddle that belonged to my mother. She was classically trained to play the violin. When she passed away, my father gave me her violin, which was all in pieces, and I brought it to a violin shop and had it repaired. I tried to learn how to play it by playing some fiddle tunes I knew on the guitar, like Old Joe Clark. But it felt strange to me because I didn't know how to hold it, much less bow it or keep it in tune with out breaking the strings. We have an old time fiddle association in my area, and I always thought it would be cool if I could take it out and play it at a jam.

[@TheTopMostDog]

I've had an old violin in the cupboard for over ten years. I might have to get it out. Thank you!!

[@WVgirl1959]

I really like that your turkeys "clap" for you, they are very polite.❤ from West Virginia

[@hikerx9366]

Where have u been.... I bought a used fiddle 25 years ago. I looked at it many times but made 25 years of excuses why I could a set of strings on it and have the hair on the bow replaced. I've watched many a video seen many small kids belting out classic fiddle tunes but still had a bucket load of reasons that actually started to nag at me. I even rented one twice and found the videos on YT just seemed complicated. You my friend have inspired me in a way no other has. I am ready to pursue my dream. God bless you. ❤️👍🙏 New subscriber here as well. Thanks again.

[@jamesreece9809]

I got that book, after i seen your video. Thank you for the info for the book i needed to get started.

[@lottalotus]

Thanks so much. Appreciated. Got a fiddle a year ago and I thought, "It seems like all you need are three fingers on each string," so it was nice to have that confirmed. Cool.

[@heatherfree7578]

Actually I’m not sure where they got that from, sure there are many songs you can play w just three finger positions but there are equally as many you play w your pinky as well, fourth position.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

I heard that 3rd position is more common than 2nd position, btw (at least for violin)!

[@dktice7011]

Love this video! I had to laugh at the introduction cuz I was raised in the Appalachian mountains and now living in Idaho and just bought my first fiddle. One things about these hills around Boise they don't go straight up ha!

[@yodapugbugington598]

I just moved back to Boise from North Carolina, caught my attention too.

[@beckyowen3573]

I only play by ear, all my life, this scared me, you've helped me. Now im ready to start again. Thank you

[@stephensheridan93]

Mrs. Sheridan Thank you Fun video Just learning the banjo.. and decided to also learn the violin ( sister in laws) since Coronavirus Practicing every day.. but playing my piano and ukulele books.. I’ll look for your book too. & I guess the tuner is a good investment unless you have perfect pitch. Been playing other instruments since 1975. Thanks for the video Mrs. S

[@randymorgan7133]

Thank you for your encouragement !!!

[@nativegroundbooks9605]

Wow wow wow...I work for Native Ground. Someone who returned one of the "keep in touch" cards we put in our books mentioned he bought a book after seeing this episode. I'll send the link to Wayne to look at. Thanks so much!

[@radioramarti]

Thank you so much for your teachings. Though I am a college level classical pianist, after turning 40 all I wanna do is move to Tennessee, wear a cowboy hat and play a fiddle. Your video couldn’t be more perfect for me. Thanks much love

[@zimsearchmister1712]

This is so strange. Without even knowing or ever seeing this video, I knew you were going to hold up the Fiddle for Ignoramuses book- it's the same one I got before I even knew about it! :0

[@TeacherMomTalks]

My father in law bought my mother in law a fiddle for Christmas. They have your video up on the TV right now. They’re enjoying it and laughing at the turkeys in the background. Just thought you’d like to know they’re enjoying what you’re doing. It’s nice to know that sometimes. 💖

[@aclemonsface]

Thanks so much for this video! I have a really old fiddle from my great grandparents (which I accidentally broke the bow D:) but until I saw this I wasn’t able to get past that initial sound (the notes dragging together). Now that I’ve seen this I feel I can get that nice Irish/bluegrass sound! Thank you so much!

[@frednavrotski8936]

Yes that is it after four days I have improved so much more that in the last six months. Yes that is it three finger position. That was my wake up call and it works thank you so much. I really had problem till you told me that. Love you darling.

[@CC-te5zf]

Got my book, should get my violin today. After watching this video I simply said, "Heck, why not?" Thank you!

[@eholland582]

Older video but awesome. Thank you my friend.

[@deniseellenburg649]

Awesome video!! Got my first today!!

[@aliciamack8912]

Thank you so much !!! I can’t wait to get started ❤️

[@bjhensley662]

I learned the guitar by myself but I needed help with mandolin and upright bass but I'm getting a fiddle next week