Learn To Play Orange Blossom Special on the Fiddle by Fiddlerman

[@lordpickle8424]

Nice. I'm a Native American guy (from Canada) born in '83 and used to jam so many fiddle/jigging tunes with my grandfather and his son and nephews in our local "jigging circuit" of NW Ontario. I played either drums, bass, or rhythm guitar when needed and used to have so much fun in the late 90s and mid 2000s playing live. He died in 2018 at almost 90 years old but lately I've been thinking of taking of his place in our area since none of us took up the violin/fiddle. Let along playing it, it's honestly just so great seeing hundreds of people jigging/dancing away to live music.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks for watching, and the comment. 90 years old is a good life. I think performing music extends peoples lives.

[@1stfiddlerman]

I started when I was 12 and I wasn't serious enough till I was in high school. I know people that play fantastically and started late. You can be great if you want. Just work your butt off and if you have enough talent, good things will happen.

[@Mr-ci4uq]

Been playing for 30 years and I think that this is an excellent teaching of this. Great job.

[@calebhinrichs3554]

Started playing a year and a half ago and didn't give this guy (fiddlerman) really the time of day but after sweating on my own and trial and error I've come to realize this guy is really good. I watch him quite a bit and he's been a great help to my progress, keep posting sir!!

[@Fredshrooms]

Orange blossom special is the song my great-grandfather played the night before he died. It was also the only good recording of him playing. I AM DETERMINED TO LEARN!!! I think I'll need more practice...

[@1stfiddlerman]

Good for you. :)

[@erin_degroot]

holy cow that was amazing, i just started up fiddle again after ten years. i played when i was five...i will definitely be coming back to your videos! thank you!

[@p756]

You made it look so easy and fast. After seeing you play, I wanted to grab my fiddle and smash it into the wall. If I could play 1 percent of your talent, I'd retire.

[@1stfiddlerman]

That reminds me. 1st lesson :( I was supposed to do a second video. Thanks for watching p756. Baby steps forward.....

[@maheshkumar4228]

p756 the best results that ive ever had was with the Ajana music lessons (i found it on google) without a doubt the most helpful plan i've tried.

[@ahole5388]

you ain't shittin..after seeing him play I'm like never gonna happen

[@lotsapots2pn]

Thanks Fiddlerman, that helped a lot. You are a great teacher and are able to cut through the bull and tell me just what I need to know.

[@sharonrussell1072]

Woah! It will probably take the rest of my life to get anywhere near playing this but so what if it does, I’ll keep trying. Worthy goal. Thanks.

[@1stfiddlerman]

That is the attitude. I love it. Thanks for watching. Join www.Fiddlerman.com/forum if you have time.

[@willisgillismusic]

wow... I've never seen anyone explain this "percieved as difficult at best" piece of music as well as you do in this video. And I've had the great pleasure to work with Vasser Clements in the studio and never thought I could even learn this! Thank you so much... You are great... Gil

[@ZakMeow]

My violin teacher is gonna hate me for this, but I'm gonna give this a go. She's STRICTLY classical and I'm gonna walk in and reaaaaaaly irritate her in 3 weeks or so! Is the sheet music up on your website?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Played this without any sheet music. Let me know how it goes. :) Don't worry about her, she needs to accept that not everyone has the same taste. ;)

[@ZakMeow]

Fiddlerman Oh man ... she loves that I have eclectic taste in music. Its just not her style. I got lucky when I found her, best instrument instruction I've ever gotten. I played around with this for about an hour tonight and I can just about get through it without sheet music. Just super super slow. I'll work on speeding it up a tiny bit over the next few days. Thanks for being so passionate about other people learning!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Zak Price You're doing just as you should. Speed comes automatically when you practice slow. :) Thanks for your support.

[@pheart2381]

+Zak Meow (Zak's Violin Video Diary) folk music is where classical came from

[@jamiemac5841]

great violinist I've been playing for 6 years and watching you makes me wonder how long you've been playing

[@wilddub09]

I absolutely LOVE your channel bro, you teach precisely the approach ive been seeking! You throw it down with high energy, order, technique and efficiency. Ive grown soo bored of other channels who post lengthy clips by speaking slow and over complicated simple concepts and becoming over redundant! YOU ROCK!!!

[@mrlowlifetoyou]

Wow fiddlerman you are awesome! I'm trying to learn this one so we can play it at our next show.

[@ckh57]

thanks fiddler man you are a tremendous help; much appreciated that you are giving of your self; blessings to you and your family.

[@1stfiddlerman]

It's my pleasure Clyde :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Depends on two things. How hard you work and what you do to learn. Also, talent. You can learn to play simple pieces within month or even weeks. Perfecting them takes more time.

[@jamicheshire]

I see this video and suddenly I have confidence I can play it :) Just went to your site, what a great resource, so grateful for your willingness to share your talent!

[@bullwinkle8266]

Enjoyed your video; you made it fun. My sergeant lit up the tent one night with this tune when we were playing war games back in NC in 1974.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad that you enjoyed it. 😁 Thanks for watching

[@1stfiddlerman]

Keep the passion. Divide your practice time into equal parts of technique vs fun time. Be patient and grateful for any improvements what so ever. Record yourself from time to time for analysis and to get a clearer grip on your improvements over longer periods of time. Smile when you play and listen to the MUSIC that comes out of your fiddle. Notes are nothing but notes unless you do something special with them.

[@annettenelson3453]

Oh My........I have had my violin for 1week! Love it........I have so far to go. Hope there is enough years!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Good luck on your new journey!

[@noubend8368]

Thank you.. this is very good tutorial. All musical talents are gifts from GOOD....

[@1stfiddlerman]

You need a big heavy metal practice mute for playing those late hours, etc. fiddlershop. com/mutes/brass-practice-mute.html The Kohr K550's are great instruments for their price and so are the Fiddlerman Master violins.

[@POsomething]

Hey, you were right.. I can play this pretty well already! The only problem I have is speeding up, but it's going pretty well.

[@lilyhurst7692]

I have watched this fiddlerman before it is awesome for people who play violin 🙌

[@1stfiddlerman]

+Lily Hurst Thanks!

[@lilyhurst7692]

you are welcome every since I was 5 I have wanted to play the violin. and me seeing u play has encouraged me to keep playing

[@brentmack51]

FM you are the rain man with the fiddle. Still loving my FM carbon fiber bow your the best

[@1stfiddlerman]

:) Thanks

[@daniweissman2853]

Thank you! This is a FUN video! And you really broke it down into simple parts for me :)

[@HugeJohn51]

Lol...I play in a band, and in the same boat as you. Last night at a gig a girl asked for both of those and like you I had to admit I couldn't do it. She proceeded to play OBS with us...not great for me. So...here I am. I hope you figured it out...I will quickly I'm sure. Great lesson.

[@localgrindelwald2886]

That is the best concise lesson on this song I have seen of at least 30 I have looked at. Love to see a more detailed version with other licks or do you have a vid of you performing it?

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks ! I appreciate it.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Glad that you like it. You are welcome :-)

[@MrHeritage535]

Thanks for the awesome video!!! I'm a classical violinist, who only really started doing fiddling about a year or two ago. It's irritated me SO bad that everywhere I go people ask for me to play Orange Blossom Special or Devil Went Down to Georgia, and then proceed to tease me when I admit that I can't. (well, I can kind of do Devil went down to Georgia, but not very well, sadly) My plan of action?? Step 1: Rewatch video about 10-20 times. Step 2: Go practice. Step 3: Go show em who's boss!! : )

[@1stfiddlerman]

By balancing the violin on my collarbone and holding it slightly with the left hand. :-) It's great for many, since it gives you more freedom, but not for everyone.

[@elizabeths1051]

Thanks so much for the tutorial! My students and I have been learning this together for a summer project. Is there any way to explain some of the transitions in more detail? We can't quite catch it and would love to put it together. :)

[@kellygleason7642]

Thank You so much. Great video...will study this in depth. Newb on fiddle

[@1stfiddlerman]

You're very welcome!!!

[@leonlim2008]

Your videos make me feel Stradivarius is just an equipment, your violin skill is awesome!

[@fiddlefaddle1]

I used to play when I was young. I'm 58 and want to get back into it to enjoy my retirement soon. Could you give me a hint of a violin for around $700 to start out with? I've been looking at ones like Karl Willhelm, Silver Creek, Pfretzschner. Ones that are usually found at sam ash, musician friend, and etc. Glad that I found your site.

[@physicslawyer9845]

I like how you just get to it. I have zero patience for the videos that take forever to show two notes. If we are trying to play this, we are past that. Thanks for posting.

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome. Glad to hear it. 😁

[@sandrakerr5024]

I love your videos, fascinating, 🎻

[@silvergurl83]

i just bought a fiddle on ebay. looking forward to learning how to play THIS TUNE!!! but i'm 29 and have never played before. how many years will it take me to sound halfway decent?

[@morbanjo]

Well 1stfiddlerman, you make it seem possible! I've been playing traditional Appalachian fiddle tunes,which I love, but whenever I play out people assume what I'm doing is bluegrass and they ask for this tune. Now I might be able to learn it so they'll drop a 5 in my case ( and just for the fun of it )

[@YankeeFiddler13850]

Where are the other videos in learning OBS?

[@ashleysullivan7625]

HEY Thanks for your video :) I am wondering what type of fiddle might be the best for beginers? And the best place to get one? Thanks!

[@Ragtime_Tony]

Thanks fiddlerman! I was wondering if the shuffle part can be played with the beat: low low high low low instead of low low high high also I see many different versions of the main part where can I find the right version? This video was so helpful and you did a great job!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Yes of course. It probably sounds as good or better. I like to build things up and see it as variety but it's up to the individual.

[@Ragtime_Tony]

Thank you fidlerman you earned a subscriber!

[@1stfiddlerman]

@@Ragtime_Tony Thanks for the support. :)

[@patriciahandy8447]

If I could get good enough to play this song. It’s on my bucket list.

[@sarahsears1337]

i started a year ago and i am 25... i can play a bit of stuff... mostly classical... how many hours a week did ypu practice in the beginning... i think you play amazingly and one day i would like to fiddle well too... do you have any tips or suggestions for a new player

[@1stfiddlerman]

@niki545031 You are welcome.

[@katwilkinson93]

Hahahaha dancing while playing the violin ... Nice one fiddlerman 😂😂😂 that was really funny!

[@brianaslaubaugh8217]

Do you have anymore fiddle show tunes like this ? How about any (song) recommendations for showing off to my friends ?

[@1stfiddlerman]

@karpdiem2 - Hope that this video helps a little.

[@sillystrings]

Is there a name for the type of bowing you explain at 2:36? i've heard it in other tunes but always just called it the "orange blossom special bowing" in my head

[@1stfiddlerman]

As much as I love bluegrass, old time, Irish and similar, I have no idea what they call that bowing. What's shuffle bowing? Maybe it's something like that.

[@Litherdhennael]

Really nice tips, thanks!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Any time!

[@POsomething]

Wow, dude, you made my jaw drop down on the floor! I started playing fiddle ONE WEEK AGO, and I'm sixteen years old now. Means I bet I can never play this instrument too well.. If you want, you can check out Michael McCanless playing this song, the video is on my channel. Michael was one of the best fiddle players I've ever heard. The guy was far from traditional.

[@POsomething]

Well, I started playing music six years ago. The thing is, I don't know anything about theory. I just want to play what I feel like without making it feel dull. I play many instruments, including another instrument also played in arco style - upright bass.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks, maybe I will someday. I'll add your request to my "to do" list. :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Great to hear :-) Speed takes time.

[@gabriellapenfold4714]

Classical violinist here, desperately trying to learn this one! I love it!! Just trying to figure it out without using sheet music!😊😂

[@1stfiddlerman]

Classical as well, but learning things without music has its own benefit for people like us. :) Thanks for watching.

[@1stfiddlerman]

I understand that your dad loves this piece. :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks, good luck with learning it. :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Check out the K550 at FiddlerShop. com You can see a review and demo as well. Everyone seems to love that violin.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Very happy to hear it Vasileios :)

[@dianelynn6881]

Great demo!!!

[@fmazzarolo]

Ciao sei un fuoriclasse del violino comlimenti !!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thank you. It's my pleasure. :-)

[@6thgenviolinist]

And btw, we are checking your posts frequently thank you

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thank you Yankee Chef!!!

[@6thgenviolinist]

@@1stfiddlerman TY my friend. I am glad we found you because it is so hard to keep kids interested nowadays in the violin and you seem personable, knowledgable and willing to help. That means a lot to both of us.

[@1stfiddlerman]

@@6thgenviolinist That pleases me to hear. Thanks for the kind words.

[@randyscott3386]

I don't know anything about how to play the fiddle . I don't even own a fiddle . But I'm pretty sure thats how Shoji Tabuchi did it in his show . I just saw that Roy Clark & Little Jimmy Henley video so now I want to buy a badass stereo for my bass boat and blast that at about 70 miles an hour out in the chop . They do the best version of that song I've ever heard .

[@felefun]

Great stuff!

[@Luke19films]

hey, what are the notes that you played right after the B and E in 1:56? Thanks in advance and great tutorial!

[@Parzival_PC]

Hello sir! My twin brother and I have been preforming since sixth grade and are now seniors, we've played countless simple bluegrass music but this song takes the cake as more advanced. Over our years, our dad has loved us learning and playing new music, but since our freshman year he has always said "I would love to hear you guys play the Orange Blossom Special"... He even tells us "That Fiddlerman has it there on youtubes!" haha, anywho... I am hoping to surprise him with playing this song at our last school concert that we would be in, May 2017. However my brother and I are more of a sheet music and audio type of learners and I am wondering if you could direct us towards some sheet music or even as mentioned have another part to this video? It would be greatly appreciated and would make my father extremely happy. Keep on rocking and the great work! You have been a great inspiration, thanks and hope to hear a response!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Join our forum at fiddlerman.com/forum and send me a PM. I'll hook you up with the sheet music that I have. You'll have to make it your own though. I didn't use the sheet music for this but I think it's close.

[@Missswimzallot]

you are incredible! 😯🎶🎻

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Allison!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks :-) Good luck.

[@POsomething]

There are many videos on KZbin of this song. If there is something you can't understand, feel free to check every video of this song. I'd tell you how to play it, but I can't explain. I can play this on guitar also and when I do, the notes for the train part are Bb->B and G->Ab.

[@ninapompa2612]

Can you do Amarillo by morning by George strait

[@1stfiddlerman]

I have added it to my "To Do" list. :)

[@adventuresofemiandle]

Great Tutorial! I love it! Is there sheet music that goes along with it?

[@1stfiddlerman]

I'm sure there is but I don't have any.

[@adventuresofemiandle]

Alright, thank you!

[@1stfiddlerman]

Give me an example of where you would need more explanations. Thanks

[@jessiewall1315]

Is there any possible way you could make sheet music for this? Or post a link? Thanks!(:

[@InventPeace1]

Great video, thanks. ... uh.. could you make sure the fingers are always visible in the next video ,,, every time you bend over, we can't see where the fingers are... thanks.

[@1stfiddlerman]

You got it! Thanks for watching!

[@1stfiddlerman]

@lotsapots2pn - You're welcome :-)

[@1stfiddlerman]

You are very welcome :-)

[@ia0722]

Is there any more parts of this tutorial available yet? I've looked but can't find any sequel :/

[@1stfiddlerman]

Sorry. Haven't gotten around to it but it's great that people remind me. :) My wife and I are soon going on vacation and will be unavailable for a few weeks but after that I'll try to find time. You can also remind me in about a month or so....

[@h3Xh3Xh3X]

Fiddlerman Here's a reminder three weeks later. :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Lennart Nilsen Thanks Lennart. Just got back from my vacation late last night and have literally thousands of emails to check, reply on as well as comments and orders that need my attention. I'll try to get on it within a few months. Thanks for the friendly reminders.

[@1stfiddlerman]

I am playing on a Jan Larsson from Lima Sweden. The bow is my Fiddlerman Carbon Fiber bow available at Fiddlershop. com :-)

[@xavimaringarcia5910]

What is that technique called? 2:40

[@1stfiddlerman]

Not sure. double stop 16th notes alternating 2 and 2 up and down back and forth. LOL. Sorry I don't know the answer. Classical musicians don't name these things the same way fiddlers do. If you find out, please let me know.

[@laurawallbank]

It’s called a shuffle

[@1stfiddlerman]

Yes there is. The best way is with a hot air gun but be very careful. I'll be doing a video on that soon.

[@greenbrierfiddler]

I recently bought a 117 year old Stainer copy made in Germany. The bow that came with it is a pernambuco round bow Im guessing around the same age, but its warped to almost a straight stick. is there anyway to fix this? I dont want to just toss it, it's a Weidlich bow. Help!

[@123jozef]

3:30 badassssserty!

[@chocobo2743]

what bow are you using?

[@lmaoooojj]

u r so cool i am trying to learn this song for pioneer day

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks Jeff.

[@1stfiddlerman]

What is your budget? I would have to say FiddlerShop. com of course but it's my shop :-) Opened it Jan 2012.

[@lilyhurst7692]

hey fiddleman is it easy playing violin I just started playing and I'm 10ys old 🙌🙋

[@1stfiddlerman]

+Lily Hurst It's not easy but if you work hard it can be much easier. :)

[@1stfiddlerman]

+NitroYT I'm glad to hear it.

[@lizjacquinot1813]

He sure makes it look easy doesn't he? Might as well keep practicing or you will be an adult beginner trying to find the time!

[@sasquatch2011]

I started playing the violin September 2018 and now it’s January 2019 nearly February and now I can play 14 different tunes. All taught my ear day in and day out.

[@ronniemooney6954]

nice lesson thanks

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks. How is it going for you? Cheers

[@1stfiddlerman]

LOL Very mature. I like that expression. I'll start calling myself very mature instead of old. ;-) Thanks

[@sarahsears1337]

how old were you when you started playing?

[@potaylo]

Looks and sounds like a great video Would be better with a view of the left hand fingers.

[@mypianofavourites1635]

Is there SHEET MUSIC for Your Edition... of Orange Blossom Special??? + I.. Cannot... Find it on A Search of your website? CHEERS Posted 6th July 2016

[@POsomething]

Yeah, and it's all thanks to you! :)

[@TheTroyallen23]

I've played banjo, dobro, and guitar for four decades and I'm thinking of trying the fiddle. What make/model would you recommend as an intermediate instrument with great price/value and what make/model would you recommend as a higher end $thousands model? I really enjoyed your lesson and I'm now subscribed.

[@1stfiddlerman]

Thanks so much. How much do you want to spend on the intermediate instrument?

[@TheTroyallen23]

@@1stfiddlerman Not more than $1k

[@1stfiddlerman]

@@TheTroyallen23 Check out our Fiddlerman Master Violin. :) I could even make a video for you if you contact support at fiddlershop dot com when you are ready. Cheers!

[@sunimalsandun9932]

Remember to be realistic - you must put in some work whatever method you use for learning violin I have spent months studying teaching yourself violin and discovered a fantastic resource at Ajana Music Lessons (check it out on google)

[@1stfiddlerman]

Great plan. You're welcome :-)

[@donsullivan8069]

Do you have sheet music for this arrangement? If so, where can I download a copy?

[@1stfiddlerman]

This particular arrangement I played by memory. Check out this link: www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0103827

[@donsullivan8069]

Fiddlerman, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You play so well so fast. It makes my head spin. I’m working as slow as I can and then moving up to tempo when I master it slowly. Thanks again.

[@1stfiddlerman]

@@donsullivan8069 That is the way to build speed. Start slowly and work your way up. Very important not to use too much bow for speed.

[@iisrum5571]

it's just mind blowing

[@magic8161]

Its a great song and he does it well but i wish he would break it down more and show the that run down he does