How to avoid scratchy sound on the violin | Kennedy Violins

[@evanhodgson3104]

Thank you Ken. I'm 67 year young now retired. I never even touched a violin till Christmas 2020. Now I am enjoying every minute trying everything related to playing. I remember when I was very young hearing a tram conductor whistling a very interesting notes .wow that's awesome. So I gave it a go. Now I started all over again only now on the violin. Looking forward to more videos.

[@kennethyeung7418]

Keep going. Age is not a problem. I'm only one year younger than you. I started learning violin last year and I've found lots of fun and pleasure in playing violin.

[@usharai5229]

Sailing in the same boat am 66 years old just started my classes ,sometime I feel that I can't learn but after reading your message gives me hope. ❤

[@itzikovadia851]

I am 68 years old and this is the first time I touch a violin never before

[@wendyparker7359]

I really like your lesson because you don’t waffle and you explain everything so clearly! Thank you.

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, I appreciate the comment and I'm super glad I could help! Happy practicing 👍

[@lesliecruttenden2241]

I agree too much waffle and I move on.Know how is what I want and need.

[@mas3ymd]

Spot-on. He gets right to the chase, which is much appreciated.

[@haydencolt1067]

i realize I am kind of randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to stream new series online ?

[@vivaanezequiel9787]

@Hayden Colt Flixportal :D

[@cathyduran7771]

I started learning violin just a month or so ago. I've been practicing but started noticing that as I tried harder stuff, the sound I made was getting worse, not better. Watching this video AND the one you have on holding the bow has helped me a great deal. Yup! I had slipped back into poor habits in bow hold and stroke. I need to simply DO these kinds of exercises in my practice sessions. Thanks. And Blessings!

[@KennedyViolins]

Always glad to help. Feel free to ask any questions!

[@Browneyez82]

I play the viola and I’m finding these tips very helpful.

[@KennedyViolins]

Fantastic!

[@maplestoryinchinese]

You guys should do a version of the “20 Cello in one minute cello comparison” video but in violins instead. That would be so cool 😆

[@KennedyViolins]

Yes, that vid is pretty cool. However, I don't usually create videos in a place where I have access to so many instruments. Perhaps in the future I will make a vid like this for fun, when I do have access to a good variety of instruments. Of course, I could make a vid with fewer instruments..... Thanks for the idea. I'll give it some thought!

[@annymcneil9581]

I have just discovered you and I think that your lessons are amazing. I am a late starter but very enthusiastic and you helped me enormously just by watching three of your videos. I have had weekly lessons before Covid, but you are much better. Thank you so so much. ❤️🎻❤️

[@evanhodgson3104]

Hi Anny I'm glad I'm not the only late starter 🤗🤗

[@pauljack7170]

i had few lessons with a teacher like u did before covid ehat bothered me was that she was saying «u should do like this » but not explain the mechanic mouvement of the 3 parts of the arm to get aware of . the beginner has so many parameters to check before getting atomathisms , that the arms shift the bad position easily angle sideways pressure bow inclination speed one arm and fingering on the ather hand ,and so on.. now i hesitate wheter get back to teacher tuition or continue by myself only

[@mayrayment8551]

Thanks for that video, just followed your instructions and my bowing has improved. No more locked elbow.

[@Judexy22]

Very good Video indeed ! You are so technical. and this is what a Beginner needs to know on the start. I started the Violin very late and I need lots of practice time. This is an essential sacrifice for all Learners : Practice Time ! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@KennedyViolins]

Thanks for the nice comment! I'm glad that the video was found to be helpful. Happy practicing! 👍

[@Judexy22]

@@KennedyViolins Thank you and keep sharing your knowledge.

[@JersAltAccount]

I've been playing the viola since 3rd grade (I'm a sophomore in high school now), but I never could figure out exactly what was making any tremolos or sixteenth-note runs I played sound so scratchy. Turns out I was just not pulling my bow fast enough 🤦‍♂️ Thanks for drawing my attention to what should've been an obvious mistake! You've earned a new subscriber :D

[@Sophiaruth_elliott]

Hi! Thank you so much 🙏 my grandma got me a violin from your brand on my 11th birthday and from then on I've been playing but i always noticed a scratchy sound Thank you so much this is very helpful!🦋

[@KennedyViolins]

That's super cool. Keep practicing and you'll figure it out. It's a process and never a destination!

[@dpcmusic2542]

The simple instruction for using your forearm versus bicep transformed my tone instantly and I suddenly feel like an actual violin player after first picking up the instrument 6 months ago. Full disclosure, I bought my violin at Kennedy Violins and I love it. I knew then they had some videos but I traversed off through youtube land looking for old-timey fiddler video instructions. This video came up in a search yesterday and it cut to the chase on tone. I'll be checking out more now. Thanks!

[@KennedyViolins]

Sweet. Glad to help!

[@siamylove4321]

I think to start learning violin this September in new academic year. And I've made my choice, definitely gonna buy a kennedy violin. Thank u guys.

[@waelkash]

you are amazing!

[@KennedyViolins]

Really?? Well, that's what my mom always told me... 🤪

[@pauljack7170]

a big fat thank you u confirmed that my suspicions observations were right my scratching sounds comes from a lack of wrist fluidity , and when my bow shifts like a window wiper especially in the middle of the bow! i am 80 and started at 76.. i do some exercise on wrist to make it more souple and it halped a lot thanks for confirm speed and pressure information role

[@KennedyViolins]

Glad to help. Good luck in your journey!

[@pauljack7170]

@@KennedyViolins thanks ! 🍀🥂

[@jackloganbill605]

Excellent lesson, thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@KennedyViolins]

You're welcome!

[@stariix5143]

I think the forearm bisep concept rlly helps me!

[@paulwilliams8763]

Very good job of explaining this problem. I am just learning to play and I have been having that problem. Now I know exactly what yo do. Good thing is you demonstrate exatly how that scratchy sound came about.

[@kmartinino1158]

You are such a good teacher

[@KennedyViolins]

Thank you! I try.. 😜

[@atleyschannel9989]

I play violin. And it screeches a lot when I play is it because of the quality of strings I believe it’s the strings that I have

[@MrViolaracer392]

Ya, strings make a big difference. Cheap Chinese steel strings are the worst.

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

@@MrViolaracer392 For me, my cheap standard issue steel strings actually sound better than my more expensive synthetic strings.

[@itonyg976]

i started to play violin those day and less of 1 hour of practice, but i also play electric guitar, and i can confirm since they are both string instruments, on the guitar strings quality influence it a lot, so i can be sure for violin is the same.

[@weihawang4246]

@@MrViolaracer392 not necessarily. Once in Toronto I got some fantastic Chinese strings. But unless I return to Toronto to the same shop, I won't bother to get Chinese strings again.

[@Lepewhi]

Greetings from your old viola teacher(CMC).

[@TNungesser]

Love your videos. I recently purchased a violin from you and I would like for you to teach us older folks how to play a violin in perfect pitch or as close to perfect pitch as possible.

[@KennedyViolins]

If you find someone that can teach how to play perfectly in tune, then let me know. I want to learn also!! All jokes aside, thanks for the compliment and I'm glad to help anytime. I hope you continue to get plenty of enjoyment from your new violin!

[@patriciatilley2434]

thank you.

[@KennedyViolins]

Glad to help!

[@henrypagan6657]

Wow your amazing how you teach.

[@tigermoth100]

excellent video !!!... i took some lessons, and my teacher suggest i don't put the bow flat. Bowing on the edge of the bow makes the sound softer and i think minimizes the scratch issues. Your opinion on this ? steve

[@itzikovadia851]

Very helpful video thanks a lot

[@KennedyViolins]

Always glad to help!

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

Hi Kennedy Violins - I see that you prefer using, as do I, a side bow position movement as opposed to a flat bow position movement. I find the former more ergonomic for comfort. 🎻 🎶🎵

[@KennedyViolins]

Yes, it really depends on what my goal is for my sound. As a general rule, it's easier to create a softer/warmer sound with a slightly "nonflat" hair. However, when I need to create a forte sound or need an aggressive attach stroke, I will use completely flat hair. So, depends on the situation but I agree, it's definitely more comfortable as a general rule. 👍

[@itonyg976]

Thanks a lot, this video was very helpful, i started to play violin those days and i have less than 1 hour of practice in total, and on the last 2 string the scratchy sound was a big issue, i could sometimes avoid it, but if you want to play, there is no sometime, you want to get out the sound you want to get out. After this video i almost got totally rid of scratchy sounds of last 2 strings, thanks a lot man. Seem in my case was cause i only knew about pressure cause before starting to watch this video i started to try. I noticed the difference in pressure, but since i was trying to apply as less pressure as possible especially on last string, i was going slowly with the bow, and didn't notice that also the speed of the bow influenced it cause i was always going at same speed with the least possible ammount on pressure on last string, now with this video i almost already fixed it 100%, now i can make sounds even from the last string, i still get scratchy a bit, but well, is normal after less than 1 hour of playing and just started, i will keep practicing most as a can, thanks a lot, i will surely watch more of your videos, this was my first. Thanks a lot again.

[@valfriesen6101]

Clear and consise. Most excellent. Thank you.

[@bugjuice_]

Im just watching this so i can observe the right technique for when i try out my first violin at the music store. I dont want anyones ears to bleed but if i cant learn from this they will either way

[@duanedouglas7602]

Thank you very very informative. I'm going to practice it tonight

[@atticusa7476]

I really like yours videos it helps me I'm just started to play violin

[@KennedyViolins]

Cool. Thanks for letting me know and let me know if there are some videos you'd like to see. 👍

[@atticusa7476]

@@KennedyViolins I really like to learn Czardas and I will be very grateful if you could show me how To play Czardas Thanks.

[@KennedyViolins]

@@atticusa7476 Haha. At least 3000 hours of practice and a good teacher... 🙃 . That is assuming it's played well.

[@talantus]

This. Makes. So. Much. Sense!!!

[@williambradford3627]

VERY helpful!!!

[@fijmim]

Thanks! This was helpful. I have my notes in tune and I play the right rhythms - I just have a bad sound. My elbow was locked! Unfortunately that means I've been playing it wrong since 2016! I'll have to get used to this!

[@KennedyViolins]

You can do it!!

[@randymorgan7133]

Thank you , This help me .. Those sound are my special...

[@marcopilati7464]

Very very interesting and well done; thanks.

[@johnpiettro4644]

Hello Joel. I can't figure out the following: when I play open notes they sound fine but when I begin to fret I often hear some squeaks and scratches, sometimes only at the beginning of finger presses but sometimes the whole note duration sounds at a higher harmonic or just scratches.

[@kenthoughtin]

Same, i'm getting frustrated on that

[@himawari.520]

omg, I came to this video for the very same reason, and I was expecting he would highlight it but he didn't 😟😟

[@vagabond197979]

"It's just like a toddler learning how to walk..." Yep, I think that pretty much sums me up lol.

[@marlenegregory9805]

Excellent Teacher !!!

[@mas3ymd]

Great video. But I think you’re leaving out one other extremely important cause for squeaky/scratchy sounds: finger pressure on the finger board. As a violinist of rather modest skill, I find that my sound becomes squeaky when I try to tackle harder pieces of music that require me to play faster and/or play in the third position or above - conditions in which I’m less likely to press the string cleanly with my finger.

[@roseenix8795]

Very helpful!

[@rnosjbeb]

Hi Joel, thanks for these videos, they are very helpful! I love watching and learning from you😄 I have a question, I’m afraid it might be a bit similar to this video: how can I avoid bouncing of the bow/shaky bow? Just want to say that I am encouraged by your videos tremendously✨

[@KennedyViolins]

Hi Kim, bouncing the bow when you don't want to is typically caused by tension in your hand and the natural bouncing characteristics of the bow towards the upper middle. #1, make sure that your bow is not over-tightened. The tighter the bow, the more it will want to bounce. You can experiment with different tensions to see what improves the situation for you. #2, is tension in your bow hand. Usually, this tension originates in your pinky, thumb, and wrist. However, the biggest culprit is usually the pinky. It's important that your thumb and pinky are never straight/locked and always have some kind of bend in them. Imagine walking/running with your knees locked. It won't work very well! Practice long bow strokes from frog to tip and focus and have a relaxed hand when the bow wants to bounce. Eventually, it will improve little by little but you have to practice deliberately to alleviate this issue. 👍

[@dlcrdz00]

Ken, Thank you for making these videos. I recently started learning to play the violin. I am noticing that when I draw the bow across the "E" string, I get two different sounds depending on where the bow is on the string. I am assuming that it might be because of the loss of pressure as I get closer to the frog. Any suggestions?

[@abelledame]

Just received my Bunnell premier violin it's great. Unfortunately I'm not😅😅.I've realized my problem is tension in my wrist, not my elbow or shoulder😭😭

[@marpl7511]

I’m having a lot of trouble bowing on my violin. My teacher always tells me that when I go down its good but when I go up its like i need to do this wrist motion thing as I go up and things of that nature. And also he tells me to relax as much as I can but when I relax the bow starts bobbing up and down on the strings!! Ugh its so irritating , please can you help with this? Please refer me to a video or if you don’t have any please make one because this is my biggest struggle. Please man i’m begging I need this.

[@KennedyViolins]

You are experiencing a common problem. Here is a video that may help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKKafqx4mpV4bas Just remember, the VIOLIN supports the bow. Your hand GUIDES the bow. If you think about it correctly, it may help you have less tension but it does take time. Like a rigid toddler learning to walk. 🙂

[@t0x1cry3backup3]

Thank you so much for tis laddie. Iv'e been strugglin when I got my fiddle from ye'r place xd. beginner trouble lol, tbh I think it may of been me rosin. mathair said ever time after using to always rosing it but I did harly practce due to schooling, so I think tis rosin built up.

[@peymanalijany5253]

Excellent explanations

[@KennedyViolins]

Thank you!

[@peymanalijany5253]

When playing the right bow, what is the reason for bow jumping as we approach the middle of the bow? 🙏

[@KennedyViolins]

@@peymanalijany5253 The main reason is because the bow is designed to bounce in that area, so it will always naturally want to do that. The other reason is tension in your arm/hand. Any kind of tension in your wrist, elbow, or (more than likely) your fingers in the right hand, will disturb the bow's natural vertical movement and cause it to bounce. I suggest practicing slow, long bow strokes to discover what appendage is the main culprit. Remember, the violin holds up the bow, NOT your hand. If you think about it properly, it'll be easier to release tension.

[@sharonschilder2733]

Im really struggling with bowing as I am left handed. I will definitely do these exercises for more flexibility. Great video. Thank you

[@MrViolaracer392]

@@sharonschilder2733 Glad to help!

[@alishaaiden8617]

Great video

[@tophielatte3]

u did great!

[@leiguo9234]

Thanks

[@paulgreninger5661]

I notice that when I bow closer to the tip it softens the scratch, but this also doesn't allow you to hop around as fast, as if you bow at the center of the bow. Can you comment on this.

[@MrViolaracer392]

Hi Paul, what you are referring to is just a matter of physics. Most all the weight of the bow is near the frog, so it's more prone to scratch since the hair is being pushed into the string harder. Hope this helps!

[@2Crystal_Vr]

This is the exact problem I am have and why I get a screechy sound I can't seem to get my bow to the tip without it veering off to the finger board

[@catking7901]

Will too much rosin cause this scratchy sound?

[@nagarajugattoji7341]

Dear Kennedy! Please suggest me good violin for advanced student or professional player.

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, that's a tough question because "advanced" is such a subjective description but in terms of our violins, I find that most teachers and pro players really like any of our violins that are "soloist" or "master series" instruments. You could have a couple sent to you with our in-home trial program and test them out if you are not local to WA state. People really like the Zubak Soloist and the Vitacek Master series violins for example, so they might be great violins to try out. If you call our shop and explain who the violin is for, a person there can probably point you in the right direction. If you do get violins sent to you, I highly suggest playing the violin as much as possible and keeping it for at least 30 days because the violins are new and will sound a lot better after a few hours of being played. kennedyviolins.com/collections/new-violin 👍

[@nagarajugattoji7341]

@@KennedyViolins Thank You !!! I found Frenke Henner is suitable for me. And I am from India.

[@MagSanJon]

Is it possible to put too much rosin on bow? I often reapply when I start to sound scratchy.

[@roverclover3178]

that intro is so good

[@lechenaultia5863]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou!

[@KennedyViolins]

You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome!! 👍

[@rod1148]

Can a cheap or worn bow lead the screeching? Thanks

[@violaracer8168]

Not really. Any bow can be over rosined, which would cause the bow to be more scratcy. Ultimately, it's about 99% of the player.

[@rod1148]

Thank you!@@violaracer8168

[@atharvatusharkumar192]

Need to learn how to move bow like all hair or hair and rod

[@jobrajraja4977]

i still have the screechie sound i think its becoz when i use both bow and my ingers i think i cant ocus on both is that why i have screechie sound?[note:my english is bad][note2:the letter ater e is not woking on my laptop im trying so had but it wony type the letter ater E] thank you!

[@wakingtheworld]

Yes, having this problem. Will adjust my bowing! Q: TwoSetViolin once timed themselves playing the 'longest D' and Brett came in at around a minute I believe. That's a seriously slow bowing speed which sounded fine or would this have to have been done in tandem with light pressure?

[@KennedyViolins]

Yes, the slower the bow, the lighter the pressure for sure. It's all about managing these two forces on the bow. 👍

[@wakingtheworld]

@@KennedyViolins Kind of you to get back to me. Guess a lot boils down to practice, practice, practice and getting familiar with your bow/instrument. I never knew the necessary multi-tasking could be so very challenging... or so much fun!

[@aledner_lw7685]

Came here because of sherlock holmes, Kennedy. And just to take a sound sample to remember so I can violin in my head.

[@gregsanford3848]

Mate I savvy thank you

[@KennedyViolins]

I savvy welcome your savvy thank you!

[@turloughkennedy6579]

Haha this made me laugh. Good video

[@mrgarner4796]

Thank you...great video!

[@KennedyViolins]

Glad I could help. Happy practicing!

[@pianoladyforreal1026]

This is my current struggle now. It's been a year and a month since playing the violin.

[@KennedyViolins]

Don't worry. It's a "forever" struggle. As long as you are always listening, you WILL improve. Guaranteed!

[@squirrel3443]

How can I fix very bad screeching on a violin only when note is played? It’s a cheap one..

[@KennedyViolins]

The two most common reasons for a violin screeching, is using cheap Chinese steel strings and rosining your bow too much. you also want to make sure that you're bowing in the middle of the bridge and the fingerboard and not too close to the bridge. I hope this helps!

[@squirrel3443]

Thank you I’m going to try it! 😊

[@W2S_mothersbloodynose]

Thx cause i was playing thais meditation for Grade 7 and it plays in third position and it sounded a bit scratchy

[@KennedyViolins]

Glad the video could help and let me know if you have any ideas of more vids to make. Happy practicing!

[@clearestt6414]

my e string sounds HORRIBLE. do i need to tune it?

[@KennedyViolins]

well, it's hard for me to say since I cannot hear it. If you want to know if it's in tune or not, I suggest playing an E on an electronic keyboard or piano or you could even go on the internet and have an E pitch played. If your e string does not match that pitch, then the first thing you want to do is to tune it and then go from there! Let me know your progress and I'll answer any other questions. Good luck!

[@clearestt6414]

@@KennedyViolins no it sounds REALLY bad. scratchy and squeaky. what's the problem? i DID apply rosin on my bow and i can play the other strings, but the E sounds really bad.

[@clearestt6414]

@@KennedyViolins i can upload a video on youtube of me trying to play the E string if you'd like.

[@KennedyViolins]

@@clearestt6414 Hello Miss Sherry, You could upload a sound if you would like bexause that would help a lot! the E string is the most difficult string to produce a nice sound on for sure and everybody has a hard time producing a nice sound on the e-string. It could be that your bow is not in the middle of the fingerboard and bridge? If you are bow is too close to the bridge in particular, the sound will be really squeaky. I hope this helps but if not, you could upload the sound and I could at least try to see what's going on.

[@remg.4075]

I'm giving up, really

[@KennedyViolins]

No, don't give up! It just takes time. Plus, you may have too much rosin on your bow. If you do, it'll just take a a couple hours of playing and it'll get better! 👍

[@enealiviu4797]

Still at open strings after almost 2 years of playing self taught. What annoy me the most is that i get a shake even with a good bow especially when i'm string crossing. I getting this kind of ricochet sound when i am down bowing in the middle and when i play quarter notes whole bow.

[@enealiviu4797]

Not to mention when i am upbowing the same shit happens. Ta ta ta daaaaaaaa. 🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@pavann1986]

Nice demonstration I'm blind still I got all information

[@KennedyViolins]

Oh wow. Cool! Happy practicing. :)

[@travismyers2264]

Ponticello makes my teeth hurt 🤢

[@KennedyViolins]

haha. Ya, me to. It's a good effect for scary music though!

[@henrypagan6657]

Wow your amazing how you teach.