Learn to play fiddle - Beginners Lesson 1

[@peakfiddler]

Links to all the lessons and the notation is included in the video description.

[@MtnGrandma]

Thank you so much I look forward to learning from you!!! 😊❤️

[@webadage]

I've been playing bluegrass banjo and guitar since I was 19. I'm 67 now. I always wanted to learn fiddle. I even bought several through the years but never took the time to learn. Now that I'm retired I hope to actually learn to play the fiddle. Looking forward to this series.

[@peakfiddler]

Slowly, slowly, it takes a while to feel as though you are getting anywhere, that's what I found when I was first learning, so stay with it.

[@vallyggg9978]

Your the best violin teacher on youtube. step by step and clear. Thank you for the time you spending for teaching others. God bless you

[@markkearnes4312]

My fiddle is arriving in the mail in a few days, but I already feel prepared to play! I’d shake your hand and buy you a cold one if you lived near friend. Many thanks for making a fantastically relaxed lesson. What a natural born teacher!

[@infdhq4101]

Thank you! My father sent me to learn to play violin 45 years ago. My interest then was engines and girls. I regret that until this day. I have now bought myself a violin and your course is perfect for me.

[@peakfiddler]

I can see nothing wrong with taking an interest in engines and girls, in fact that's why I first taught myself to play guitar when I was a young lad.

[@TruckerDawntheBreeze]

Appreciate you!!! I was a caregiver and the man who n I helped played the fiddle and his family gave me one.. Now I am a tractor trailer driver and have time to learn!!! I love the music a fiddle makes!!

[@bobjohnson8193]

What a great teacher. I am 72 and have taken up the 'Fiddle' for the first time. I find your teaching style ; interesting, informative and relaxed. Well done you.

[@webadage]

That was A W E S O M E! I've just completed my 1st fiddle lesson successfully. You are THE MAN!!!

[@peakfiddler]

Glad it helped!

[@bp6399]

I bought a violin at a pawn shop, never having played an instrument very well before, and you make it so approachable. Thank you!

[@shaggyroggers1084]

this dude is so concise, where you been for the two years I've been struggling to learn? I actually just now finished the lesson and came back to edit this post. You gotta be the best teacher I have found using the internet. I learned more in 30 mins than I have in 2 years trying to learn it myself. THANK YOU!

[@richarddegen6184]

Very good indeed!!!

[@TheCunningLinguist]

What an amazing lesson. I got my first fiddle yesterday and I'm very excited to play it, but the classical approach is very discouraging for adults IMO. You, on the other hand, make the learning process intuitive and engaging. I'll definitely go through the entire series!

[@peakfiddler]

This is the kind of comment that makes everything worthwhile, thank you.

[@CozyBooks_Lattes]

Being able to adapt my own style is something I worried would not be accepted, so hearing you say there are no rules is very liberating for me! The Fiddle speaks to my soul, especially the darker bagpipe-like tunes. Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching!!

[@peakfiddler]

There is no better judge than yourself. If you want to play a particular way, then fiddle music is the right choice.

[@CozyBooks_Lattes]

@@peakfiddler thank you for your kind words

[@duncanlaing6078]

Already learned something I was doing wrong - thank you thank you. Returning to my fiddle after a 17 year break. I taught myself using a book, we didn't have youtube back then! - got brand new strings and a new bow yesterday. Very excited.

[@Burning_Tyger]

I wish I could thumb up this video multiple times. Around 27 times seems the naturally appropriate amount.

[@anieto7339]

Excellent first lesson. I've mastered this simple tune, and after recording it and playing it back, I'm astounded that it's ME making that happen. On to lesson 2. Thanks!

[@coldspring22]

Thank you for that nice lesson! Totally agree with you that reason to play violin is that you'd really like to be able to play that music you love. That's it and nothing else.

[@jordanmills7441]

These lessons is a life saver , I have been looking for fiddle lessons and I couldn’t find any then I came across your lessons and it was perfect and fun. So thank you for your lessons.

[@peakfiddler]

Great to hear!

[@KKtedeum]

Thank you for posting this on YT - it is what I needed while learning violin on my own until maybe spring when I'll have time for actual lessons. Have been playing piano since I was 4 or 5 (very badly) and wanted to learn fiddle playing for the longest time. Since getting my violin a couple days ago, have been playing by ear to start - and it's been haphazard especially as I do not have the cheat stickers to go on my violin to show me where to put my fingers to find the notes (I ordered but lost in mail somewhere). Following your videos has been a huge help in learning how to play the notes properly + connecting to music on the page as well. I thank you!

[@KKtedeum]

should add, with piano the most difficult habit I had to break was looking down at my fingers or unconsciously playing by ear instead of going by the notes, including paying attention to the whole notes, half notes, etc. Have been very grateful for the allowance to play by ear with the violin - but also appreciate the refresher on reading notes. :)

[@petehealy9819]

What a true pleasure to watch and play along with your video! Long, long ago I was a music major who ultimately left it for a career in marketing. A lifelong friend, now retired as I am, restored a beat-up fiddle and presented it to me just weeks ago. As he's played fiddle for about 10 years, I'm excited to take on the challenge of following his lead, and I'm sure your tutorials will help me get there. Thanks so much!

[@peakfiddler]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rickitseven]

Very enjoyable lesson. Just bought a used fiddle and getting started! Really like your teaching style!

[@alexpleasant69]

What an encouraging lesson. Talented people like yourself make playing an instrument look so easy, but yet you just made learning how to play the fiddle look so achievable. Thank you so much...

[@baidenbeavers8597]

It was suuper helpful! THANKS!!!!!!

[@davebuchanan5187]

Thank you!!! I'm 65 and have been playing guitar over 50 years and banjo around 40 years. I've always admired fiddle players hand have wanted to learn for a while, but was not sure I could. I looked at several on line video lessons and yours are the best, at least they are for me. Your videos make learning very enjoyable and easy to follow. I can't want to progress through the lessons...keep 'em coming!

[@peakfiddler]

I certainly intend doing so Dave, thanks for your positive feedback

[@theramblingrobertson62]

That was REALLY great, and so was your video about setting up the violin. You have a way of taking all the fear out of learning and you're also a fantastic fiddle player! Many many thanks to you! Darren

[@peakfiddler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheLionHeartMusic]

You have the best fiddle lessons on youtube, and believe me Ive watched over 50 videos lol. I am a beginner and you are very easy to follow, you make it fun and not too complicated to understand. Thank you!

[@jennyj9791]

Thank you for doing these "How To" videos, VERY VERY much appreciated!!! I recently acquired a fiddle, have been wanting to learn to play an instrument for many many years. I'm 57 and learning everything from scratch, how to read music etc. You are a good teacher and make it fun... again THANK YOU very much!!! I watched and learned from this lesson 4 days ago, have been practicing what you teach in this lesson a little each day as time permits. Everything is as you say, getting comfortable with holding the bow, fiddle, etc and comfortable with sawing out the notes. I've noticed I am starting to associate finger position with sound, my fingers do what my ear is anticipating to hear. Lots of mistakes and lots of squeaks... lol... but just a little practice everyday and I'm noticing myself progressing. You are a GREAT teacher!!! Another day or two of practice with this lesson and I think I'll be ready for Beginner Lesson 2!!! WooHoo!!! May God Bless and keep you safe!!! Again THANK YOU for taking the time and effort to make these teaching videos!!!

[@peakfiddler]

Glad you are finding the lessons to be of value, thank you for your encouraging comment

[@jennyj9791]

@@peakfiddler You are quite welcome Sir. If I may ask a question... Something I haven't seen covered in your videos yet is cleaning? I did the "Setup" video on my new Easter which seems similar to the Glarry you used in the video. I worked at getting rosin on the bow, it does take a bit on a new bow. Having never rosined a bow before, your explanation was helpful. I'm wondering if I am using too much rosin? After awhile rosin begins to cake up on the strings. I have been using a clean dry cotton cloth to wipe the strings and fiddle off from time to time, a clean white cotton hand towel. Is this best for cleaning? Should any cleaning agent be used or just a clean dry cloth? The rosin buildup I am experiencing comes after a couple of hours of practice. Not bad, just a slight buildup on the strings and dust falling onto the fiddle body. I don't think I am using too much rosin, by maybe I am? I have learned to notice the difference between a well rosined bow and a lacking rosin bow, the "drag" on the bow and sound are different when the bow seems to need more rosin. I find myself applying about 2 or 3 passes of rosin about every 20 to 30 minutes of play? Thank you!

[@peakfiddler]

@@jennyj9791 Hi Jenny, sorry for the delayed reply. I will cover that point in my next lesson and demonstrate what I do.

[@jennyj9791]

@@peakfiddler Thank you!!!

[@matthewelliottheinen]

I practiced with this video yesterday. Tonight I was trying to practice this tune you made by memory and was having trouble remembering how it went and then while playing and trying to figure it out - bam - that music notation popped in my mind and I got it! Ive never read music before your videos and it was amazing to me when that image popped into my mind and thats how I remembered how to play your little tune!

[@peakfiddler]

Well done, that's great

[@61462bubb]

You have me hooked!

[@matthewelliottheinen]

Youre a good teacher. Thanks for taking the time to put these together 👍

[@didiergreffet5242]

Thanks a lot Peak! Greetings from France...

[@susannemacdonald439]

That was fantastic, thank you so much! Very clear and easy to follow. I am so proud of my first tune!!

[@brianking4874]

I play diatonic button accordion and guitar. I've always wanted to play the fiddle as well. I've really been thinking about buying one and I now have found your amazing videos. I only play by ear and cannot read music to play, however I can read music notes to learn a song. I know this may sound weird, but I turn the notes into numbers to play. I think that with your helpful lessons I'll be able to learn this beautiful instrument.

[@jack002tuber]

I'm in. Thank you for this. I hope to see many more.

[@peakfiddler]

You got it!

[@Shams_Rumi]

THANKS A LOT FOR POSTING IT!!! I LOVE IT!

[@iametal541]

This is absolutely awesome, you took my excitement to learn this new instrument and strapped it to a rocket. So much fun. I loved this first lesson, and can't wait to watch your next one tomorrow. Thank you!

[@zatii5249]

Hi, although I do not have a violin, I love listening to how you play the violin, you are incredible, greetings from Colombia🇨🇴 :)

[@peakfiddler]

Thank you very much!

[@itsclearasmud7718]

I watched your set up vid. I built a few fiddles. Excellent vids.

[@raypitcher9767]

Great encouragement, though I'm learning the theory of the fiddle, you have really helped me to understand actually reading the music, I was following you at the right speed and amazed myself how quickly and accurate I became, all because of your easy understanding, many thanks.

[@peakfiddler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheVigorat]

Such a wonderful teacher! Thank you so much!

[@Bubblebeets]

I’m so excited to practice what you’ve taught!

[@peakfiddler]

I want to add quite a few more to this series, so hang on in there.

[@joeyrose5300]

Very good 1st lesson, light and enjoyable!

[@peterthompson640]

Very nice teaching

[@Sunshine-Light]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and gift 💝, your videos are what make KZbin superb !

[@jg99997]

what a relaxing and great lesson, thank you so much

[@davidmarks509]

I just did this lesson, and loved playing along. I was banned from playing violin at home. I am with my son and he lets me play. I have a mute and I am really enjoying this. My son hates classical music as he says its too sad, which is good as I am interested in folk, and traditional music. Those tend to sound a good deal happier. Ty once again for sharing this lesson.

[@danbo50097]

Excellent teaching! Thanks for uploading, I'm looking forward to getting started!

[@peakfiddler]

You're very welcome!

[@mkmorris7855]

Thanks for making this series! Looking forward to working through it.

[@suchen_to_saturn2839]

Thank you so much ☺️! Felt Like a real lesson.

[@TheKat430]

So excited to have found your video! Can't wait to view them all as I am a complete beginner.

[@peakfiddler]

I fully intend to keep adding to this series,if you click to bell symbol you will be informed of new videos as they are released.

[@PeteHarperUK]

Thanks for this starter. I've just brought a charity shop one to learn the fiddle

[@stevenjan2003]

Many thanks for your vids peak you’ve made your vids understanding and easy watching and to learn keep up the great vids you do love your technique in learning with fun

[@1fdfowler]

Your presentation has motivated me to keep practicing , thank you

[@matthyson5546]

Great lesson! Thanks so much!! I even improvised a second part to the tune.

[@peakfiddler]

Great job!

[@evaskjerd]

Loved it🥰

[@es78xx]

thanks for making these videos.

[@gusolive]

Very good indeed!

[@richardallen6552]

You are amazing sir, I am learning so much from you, thank you🙂

[@karenmccann8026]

❤ Brilliant. I can understand your learning technique very well. I lost interest and motivation 4 years ago. I'm retired and 64 this year ....

[@JoshuaRTV1]

Thank you for these videos! I just watched your tutorial on fixing up the cheap violin. It costed 50$ from Amazon in U.S.A., From Glarry. It already sounds SOOOO much better! I’ve been playing for a few months now and just realized you had some lessons also! Thanks!

[@peakfiddler]

Glad it helped!

[@elliekatherine7353]

Thank you!!! this is fantastic!!!!!!!

[@lucasmachain]

This lesson is amazing! it has everything!

[@RishikaAk]

Thanks for teaching ☺️

[@conantdog]

You got my sub 👍

[@richardstumph7833]

Thank you for the videos,❤

[@juliedurby8333]

I've inherited a fiddle from my uncle, and I want to learn how to play it in his memory.

[@debracranwell6499]

Thank you, Deb Bershires,USA

[@Kylerjguitar]

What a nice lesson, thank you so much. I was wondering where in the world to begin. A very confusing instrument coming from a guitar, ha!

[@peakfiddler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnkjamal1317]

Thanks for your time

[@suchen_to_saturn2839]

Thank you! 😊

[@julast6658]

Thank you so much

[@marcgreer5770]

Fantastic

[@btryba]

Your bow hold looks like the proper baroque bow hold. I've heard that baroque bows are lighter and allow for a livelier feel. I'm super new to all this but from looking around, that is what I've seen. I ordered a baroque bow on Amazon, so we'll see what the difference really is for a newbie.

[@911lisagibb]

Thank you for doing beginner introduction to fiddling and sharing your knowledge on how to start playing. How much practice do you suggest a day, or better yet how much do you play or practice the violin per day? Also how much pressure do you apply on the strings when bowing? Amazing how your good the inexpensive instrument sounds on the video.

[@peakfiddler]

Hi Lisa, I've added your questions to my list of notes for lesson 2, so will try to answer them in the next video in the series.

[@peakfiddler]

I forgot to mention in video 2, daily practice if possible, even just for a short time. However, don't worry if other things crop up, and it's not possible. I bought quiet electric specifically for that reason, as I wasn't always able to play an acoustic.

[@davidmarks509]

I like that you hold the bow further up the stick. I know my bow is a beginner one and I feel the balance is a bit tip heavy. Nice bows are lighter and probably have better balance. I also notice you hold it not like a classical player would. and that to me looks a lot more comfortable.

[@peakfiddler]

Hi David, that bow came with the £30 pound violin I am playing, so it cost less than 10 dollars.

[@otiscc1]

How can I get the first tune you play

[@deltafour1212]

I love it that you're self taught, which I think most of us are who watch KZbin videos for lessons. You found out what works for you. How long did it take you from getting past the screechy faze when bowing and what did you discover to eliminate it?

[@peakfiddler]

Who said I'm past that stage yet, haha. Honestly, I can't remember but most likely after quite a few months of scratching away. Record an audio dairy and each week try to play something similar, then compare. You should hear a small improvement each time. Alternatively, if the dog or cat still remains in the same room, you are making progress.

[@KamakOzzie1]

@@peakfiddler Or if your wife stays in the room..LoL

[@marlanaferguson4287]

Quick question on the strings in tune, how long till you can figure it out by ear ?

[@lindaakers2991]

To start learning from your website, is it still workin.

[@peakfiddler]

Most certainly is, plenty to see.

[@wendyhill5344]

Where do I find the worksheet?

[@peakfiddler]

Hi Wendy, I left a link in the video description, it's about half way down.

[@cjaythebaker]

I’ve been used to instruments with frets and keys it’s getting easier but to begin with the violin was hard to make notes cause my fingers weren’t used to it

[@mattpurcell3369]

If I wanted to invest in a quality student violin/fiddle, what brand?

[@peakfiddler]

Stentor perhaps?

[@ZvikaDror]

Man your channel is so cool that I finally decided to find a bomb shelter and start fiddling with a fiddle, especially for folk (Irish, Jewish, Arabic etc.) I have a question please. Small hands here (I'm 1.5m and struggle with normal Guitar and Piano, so I play small guitars, Mando and Charango and Guitalele and 3/4 etc.). Do you suggest to get a 4/4 violin or smaller? I wanted to get a Viola for some time, to play upright like a Cello, but I'm having a hard time finding a beginner Viola in the price range of Violins, which are just all over the place :) Many thanks!

[@peakfiddler]

Hi Zvika, I have had a look at one of your videos and would suggest that you consider a 7/8 size violin. No loss of tone but just a little smaller than regular. I notice Stentor make a low cost one.

[@ZvikaDror]

@@peakfiddler Many thanks for your attention! Will check into a 7/8 then. Cheers!

[@randycollins804]

how do i get the sheet music

[@peakfiddler]

yt3.ggpht.com/9ZTE0J45311QORqlhVyW7-3ZZ9KjxHlBEUDuEeun2GHRCDlSCUt1TRAaydaqgCoYMPQgt1wRhGZcPXU=s1024-nd

[@peakfiddler]

If you look in the description of all my lessons, you will find a link to the accompanying notation. Hope that helps you find it ok.

[@jimraygilliam]

Great video and equally great teacher! I have subscribed. I have to say, though, the third note in a D major scale is F#, not F. Don’t mean to be critical.

[@robertgreen6027]

Do I need a license to play the fiddle in a public house, or can I just take it, buy a pint and get everybody dancing? Thank you for the video?

[@m.kjacob2794]

I just have a question to you, do you know what a sharp is? For example; F# (F-Sharp).

[@Karnakb9]

yes i thought that F was an F#

[@RR42636]

Yes

[@kateneely7710]

Hi yah I’m in a pickle with learning the fiddle. I started playing music on the accordion with the conservatory teaching and stuck to it until I got pretty good by the time I was a teen. Then developed as a women and I found it difficult to re-position myself so I gave up. I hand taught myself piano in my 20s but found the bass very difficult and got to a level 4.. basic. I’ve always wanted to play the fiddle as I’m Irish and just love the roma Irish gypsy playing. Now that I’m teaching myself the fiddle and I just can hold the bow correctly as I slide all over the strings and can not bend my big hands to place top of finger of frets. I’m ready to give up, but I watched this video and I can learn from you. So my question is...... how do I start and different approach to learn the fiddle. Thanks

[@peakfiddler]

Hi Kate, first off if you have been able to master the accordion, you know that learning an instrument takes time, patience and practice. Regarding movement of the fingers, my hands are large and have been referred to as spiders leaping about on the finger board, so that shouldn't be an issue. It takes a while to get the finger co-ordination and muscle movement all sorted out, often many years, but it is worth perservering, no doubt. For the time being, try to play really simple tunes, with plenty of open strings and maybe just 4 or 5 held down notes and concentrate on getting that bowing rhythm going. That's the key with fiddle playing, try to imagine yourself dancing to the rhythm and keep it simple and don't expect too much for quite some time. Best wishes

[@chriskei76]

I found this little gem today. I bought a cheap violin a year ago. I stopped playing in january because I had awful neck pain. But now I want to give it another try. I struggle with the D string. Open strings sound good enough but when I place fingers on the D string ist sounds kind of dull. I tried different pressure with fingers and the bow but I can‘t find the problem. Anyone an idea?

[@peakfiddler]

Chris, it's going take repeated practice and playing time, believe you me, everyone finds it difficult at first to get decent sounding notes out of the fiddle. Try playing slow tunes first, like a waltz and concentrate on getting even sounding notes on all strings. It's not easy, but just stick with it and play every day if possible. Use a mute or a couple of paper clips on the bridge if you can't stand the sound you are making, but stick with it.

[@chriskei76]

@@peakfiddler Thank you. I play Twinkle Twinkle to death, found an easy version of Hallelujah and try the Skye Boat Song. Between exercises for bowing, playing open strings to find my right arm position and scales. Today I tried to play more than one note with a bow stroke. Funny, down strokes work better than up strokes. Sometimes I even hit the right tone 😁 Looks like I didn‘t forget much since january.

[@100perdido]

I am confused. Are you playing a D then E then F and then G.....Or D then E then F# then G. In a D Major Scale the F is Sharp.

[@brianmorris8045]

I'd be content with under the chin for the time being. It's hard enough getting used to the fiddle after playing the mandolin....lol...and I gave up trying to read music.

[@leatherhorse1]

get on with it

[@Karnakb9]

F#?

[@Texas1836Band]

Way too much talking in the beginning