Old-Time Fiddling Tips by Bruce Molsky

Bruce Molsky shows you bow strokes that can help you achieve an authentic 'old-time' sound. Molsky is an American fiddler, banjo player, guitarist, and singer. He primarily performs old-time music of the Appalachian region. He is a former member of Fiddlers 4 (with Darol Anger, Michael Doucet, and Rushad Eggelston).
Check out this full lesson from Strings Magazine at stringsmagazine...

[@robertshorthill4153]

I play a bit of mandolin. I learn some things every week. I don't practice enough like I should. I love the damn thing to the point of tears and shame for not playing more. My family does'nt care to hear me practice these old timey tunes-- they like the country crap being generated ad nauseam these days, so I have to practice in my unheated studio. Summer is coming and good weather, so I can sit out near my garden to play. Listening to this gent makes me appreciate the fiddle more than I already do. If I ever decided to take up the fiddle (?) and I could afford lessons, Bruce would definitely be the guy I would go to, to get me on the right path.!! So much good music to be had, so little time.

[@angelvoice2376]

Absolutely fantastic teacher - truly one of a kind! Thank you for your exceptional patience and expertise. There are tutors, and then there is you! ❤

[@floydwebtube]

At 57 years old, I just got a fiddle. Been playing guitar forever. This video is just fantastic! Thank you, Sir! I feel like this is such a natural progression for me. I must thank Molly Tuttle and her music for inspiring me into the bluegrass/Appalachia genre.Check her out!

[@stacy2point0]

Just moved to Missouri... So I want to learn fiddle like I've always wanted. I am an adult (50) learner so wish me luck.

[@patriciajrs46]

Good luck. Me, too. Let me know how sore your fingers get on fretting.

[@wucuttas3165]

wishing you luck!

[@mrgroovestring]

Mid 60's here. I started last year in January, if you are determined you can do it. Listen to all of the old time videos on KZbin that you can, turn it on the stereo etc. Get yourself a fiddle that sounds good to you, and feels good in your hands Get it the rhythm/swing in your head, and love it. God bless!

[@sixstringsaway7642]

Curley ray cline would be a good start

[@pachydermavenger]

Invest in decent bow if you can

[@larrykohling]

Six months later and my playing has improved ten fold. Thank you!

[@colindouglas7769]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Bruce and sharing a few tunes with him at one of the early Niel Gow Fiddle Festivals when I had the amazing honour of being the custodian of one of the fiddles of Scotland's legendary fiddler Niel Gow. It's always great to see the masters of the fiddling arts passing on their knowledge in such a clear concise manner.

[@RameyRocks]

LOVE!!! Just bought a fiddle this week and started lessons the next day. So I have only had one lesson so far but its my dream to play fiddle music like this someday. I have wanted to learn for 20 years!!

[@WOKINTUSD]

Missi R i bought 1930s Jackson guldan violin Stradivarius 1930s which course is a fiddle 😁😊🎼🎼🎼🎵🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶♩♩♩🎻🎻🎻🎻

[@gval900]

Yeah it will take that long... it has been fifteen for me. Still so far to go..

[@muddymike]

@@WOKINTUSD no way, I have a Jackson guldan given to me by my uncle. Been playing on and off a few years but been back at it more and more

[@WOKINTUSD]

@@gval900 i played on several occasions.

[@staceydeel6306]

I got one for Christmas. I played the clarinet in high school 35 years ago. I love the fiddle and hope to plat The Orange Blossom Special. Right now it sounds like I'm murdering a 🐈

[@mrgroovestring]

To: Bruce Molski........ You sir, are THE man.👍

[@stagelifelv9324]

Brilliant tips with beautiful subtlety. You sir are a treasure. God bless you!

[@normw7060]

The first tune is called 'Candy Girl' and comes from an old record by 'Uncle' Bunt Stephens. The other tune is 'Say Darling Say' from Tommy Jarrell. (Both these can be found on KZbin).

[@Kydilee]

3 years later... thanks so much for the info! I was just wondering! So you fiddle? Banjr? Something? Are you on a forum somewheres? I'd love to talk tunes :)

[@patriciajrs46]

I will bet that Tommy is related to a Kelley.

[@frankbonner3496]

Great job Bruce. Thanks for all the help through the years. You are an icon for old-time fiddlers.

[@heidihilgenberg3814]

I like hearing about the different bow techniques. Thank you!

[@aspektx]

I've lost count of how many times I've listened to 'Lost Boy' over the years. This was a treat.

[@tallen1628]

Just listened to the 'candy girl' intro at the beginning of this video at half speed and realised just how much groove and subteltly is at play here... Wow.

[@BlindTom61]

I keep coming back to this because it is far and away my favorite fiddle video on youtube. Big. big thanks!

[@gabrielbay9739]

This is just beautiful, I cant stop watching it

[@j4km4r]

Big thanks from Germany! I look forward to employing your tips in my exercises. :)

[@KathrynRosa]

Hello

[@KathrynRosa]

👋 How are you doing today and it’s nice meeting you if you don’t mind Will you mind for a private chat 💬

[@trumpsahead]

Wow, what a talent. This is some serious information. Thank you Mr. Molsky, just now took a sample of your new album, and it's a winner I'll be listening to regularly. Thanks for your help in the language of fiddlin'. ciao.

[@maxpreston2569]

Thank you BRUCE MOLSKY!!!

[@sweetpea7583]

Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed that video. Am a classically schooled 'fiddler' w/lots of practice ahead of me to get that 'authentic' fiddle sound.

[@hunterdowdle5204]

Candy Girl by Uncle Bunt Stephens in the beginning of the video. One of my favorite tunes! I recommend listening to Marcus Martin, too. Particularly his tune “Happy Hollow”.

[@BillAlpert]

What a rich vocabulary, that our "classical" pedagogy doesn't begin to cover. Thank you Mr. Molsky for your brilliant contributions to our musical universe!

[@laurinvickrey151]

So cool my little boy is joining orchestra and will be learning violin 🎻

[@darI33n]

Absolutely loved this! I could watch you all day :) Thank you!

[@trudybradt6413]

You make it look so easy! I've just bought a fiddle and I hope to play half as good as you someday. I love this video. Thank you Bruce.

[@paulclifford9008]

Thank you Bruce!

[@OXHB599]

Definitely adding this to practice!

[@HEADSUPBERKELEY]

GREAT LESSON thanks Strings Mag

[@keithcary1796]

Thanks so much, Bruce. I started playing fiddle again after seeing/hearing you at the Palms Playhouse in Winters, CA, some months ago. Please come back!

[@briansmith203]

Thanks Bruce! That cleared up a lot of mystery about the pulse/push sound that has been eluding me for years. Now to practice it.

[@sasikalakoppada6774]

Thanks for the valuable tips Sir.

[@martinlaird4738]

Seen Bruce twice at the transatlantic sessions in Glasgow front row seats twice! Inspiring musician!

[@songsabai3794]

great tip!... Bruce certainly has that "authentic" sound and technique for us all to relish in. The piece he demonstrates sounds so simple but observe closely the technique he employs and discover there is a whole lot going on inside that tune !

[@robertshorthill6836]

Another great "old time" fiddler of Americana music not to be ignored is one John Specker. He has studied fiddle for many years. Cheers.

[@bentwheel2063]

that lesson was Gold!! thx

[@patrickbly4170]

I used to know a Gentleman who lived in Pittsfield N . H . HIS name was Bruce also ... great Dance Fiddler

[@josephvanwie6706]

Hey Bruce, you cook brother. That music speaks to my soul. I've definitely decided to purchase a fiddle and pour my soul into it. Thanks Bud.

[@allansimonmerovitz]

It’s a great occupation for any age!

[@luckylyerly]

Thanks Bruce. You have such a gift - thanks for sharing it.

[@diannedavis5443]

Great lesson - wish there were more of these demos.

[@charlieleger1]

Thank You Sir,..................

[@jerroneous8549]

Came for the tips stayed for the amazing playing!

[@superrobot3187]

HE PLAYED US LIKE A DAMN FIDDLE

[@troutfisher7182]

Thanks Bruce!

[@MrBluegrassfiddler]

Nice presentation. Good work, Bruce Molsky.

[@dbd1353]

he makes this look so easy..a true master..

[@nean12350]

wow what an incredible insights. I am not a fiddler but I can sure hear some of the phrasing you are talking about. great stuff Bruce you are not only a magnificent fiddler but a very clear instructor.

[@PP-hq1sy]

such a GREAT video. Thank you!!!

[@allthingsstrings]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@romodoctor]

Thanks Bruce. Its amazing how those simple techniques work so well.

[@mariemorris7031]

Thank you so much! I salute you...............

[@ellenbruckermarshall4179]

Thanks Bruce! Good to see you at Fiddle Hell. Thanks for the break-down on dimensions.

[@blainethebard7970]

Wonderful! Your explanation was tremendously helpful!

[@jondoe4667]

You talk about how you learn to speak with the fiddle. It's an instrument that really makes me feel the emotion in a song. 😁🇺🇲

[@chas5131]

Thank you, Bruce!

[@PeterValentino]

You are an exceptional teacher. Thanks!

[@kitwells]

Nice, clear and informed instruction! Extremely useful tips and exercises. This lesson has helped me so much in understanding and performing - I'm now being more precise and gentle with my bowing. I can't thank you enough Bruce!

[@joeroberson6676]

I read music and have been playing the violin for a over 46 years now but have such a hard time getting my playing to stop sounding like a violin and start sounding like "the fiddle" with that "swing sound". Your presentation was so enlightening! I didn't practice but concentrated on listening to you until you showed the "fulcrum" style and I just had to try it before listening to the rest of your video. I could not believe how hard it was for me to bow that was as many years as I've been playing. :

[@edithgursel2522]

Joe Roberson the

[@dfmontgomery91]

Joe Roberson j

[@killianbridger3206]

you prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost my login password. I love any assistance you can offer me!

[@otismohammed5555]

@Killian Bridger instablaster ;)

[@killianbridger3206]

@Otis Mohammed thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@Lloyd-mo]

That sure is a great sounding fiddle.

[@SueDuda]

Excellent video Bruce! Thank you! Looking forward to your workshops at Bluff Country Gathering in May 2014!!!!!!!!!!

[@ProgRockDan1]

Thank you

[@philnewcomers9170]

thanks Bruce ttfn

[@Caroline-pb8xx]

thank you!

[@cathygoltsoff9615]

Thank you for making this video.

[@MandolinSunrise]

Really appreciate the tips, just finally bought a fiddle. Many thanks.

[@Canalvee00]

Wow!! Thank you so much for this Bruce.

[@joshuatendoornkaat8558]

i've been playing mandolin for a while and have become fairly good, but i really wish i could play fiddle. It just sounds so beautiful. What's even more frustrating is that the mandolin and fiddle are tuned the same, so whenever i hear a fiddler play, i can hear exactly what he's playing where on the fingerboard, but when i try to play it myself i'm confounded. Thanks for the tips! I'm gonna practice some bowing.

[@jennymallin9404]

My grandad played old time , I am now learning on his fiddle (passed down to me)

[@atalhlla]

The “fulcrum” bowing is something I saw also in Swedish tunes, a nice shared technique there. Anyway, gonna have to practice all of this, now that I know what to do!

[@jerrychaput2529]

You are right on very clear teaching can tell you love what you teach n it will drop down on us your students , when a student wants to learn a teacher shall appear,Aloha n never stop teaching JChoneybell KZbin ....

[@aahlstrom93]

Thanks Mr. Molksy. I am trying to learn fiddle coming from a guitar background... hard stuff to be honest. I can't just pick it up and play like I could the banjo. You really add some south flavor to that thing with those drone notes.

[@patriciajrs46]

Try watching Fiddlehed videos. He will teach you notation, fingering, and pausing his instryctions is highly reccommended. Good luck.

[@TheAllscott]

This is great. Thanks for taking the time. So much great information I feel like I have a way forward to learn now. Thank you!

[@CBMalloch]

Re: Clark Kessinger Sally Ann Johnson - now I know where Elvis got his moves :)

[@tbrandon2813]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you

[@HillCatMusic]

Awesome!

[@gaylesheets4820]

I play this music, but lack the authentic 'old time sound'. So I'm gonna try to learn it from you. I was thinking of going somewhere to learn it, but talk myself out of going... I'm hoping I can get the knack from you. Here's to trying!

[@stevecantrell8411]

How can you not like this music if you have any soul at all?

[@johnnyparker9928]

Thank you for sharing your talent and insight.

[@JaneEKat]

Wonderful!! Very helpful tips .... thank you!!!

[@lucius79blues]

Thanks Bruce ¡

[@patton137]

This video is very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[@MattBellViolinist]

Nice job! Thanks!

[@briansmith203]

Thanks, that was very helpful! I've been trying to play Candy Girl for a few years now and that was perfect as an example.

[@esthermcnaughton]

Lovely, thank you!

[@jack002tuber]

Very good video. Thanks for posting it

[@thesongstable7153]

this guy is the man

[@dfmontgomery91]

i'll look it up!

[@talantus]

And here i thought blue grass fiddlin was all about chords and bending my left fingers out of shape, well there's probably some of that too 😂 But it sounds much more fun and feels much more relieving to understand i simply need to keep practicing what I've been doing own my own for two years. Just play the bow in different ways! 😁 I was dreading bluegrass but no more! Awesome!

[@charlibrown7745]

Bruce is playing old time fiddle not bluegrass.

[@silver-hammer]

Brilliant..!

[@honoksubba2326]

Wow so sweet

[@mcseiberling]

Love it! 💕💗💕

[@BDRHDG]

WOW MAGNIFICENT YOU PLAY SO BEAUTIFULLY YOUR STYLE SO SMOOTH I ENJOY WATCHING YOU WITH THE BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT I GOT A VIOLIN LAST YEAR AND I'M TRYING TO BOND WITH IT

[@groundhogpeggy]

Thanks!

[@crawfordviolin]

Go Big Red!

[@AliciaSvigals]

Great!

[@maggieredondo2006]

Thank you. very informative!!

[@agulli1]

Its called Candy girl. He teaches it on a homespun DVD.

[@mw33213]

Wow, this is awesome! I'm trying to branch into fiddling from classical violin. Has anyone else done it? Is it difficult? :)

[@royelmo38]

Momo Wang have your bridge shaved down. lower action and less arc to the top of the bridge makes double stops easier to play.

[@greenshp]

It also makes it easier to accidently hit the wrong string. A lot of great fiddlers never shave down the bridge - they just properly learn the 7 planes. I'll bet Momo already has those mastered, so...

[@chelseasleep6769]

I've "converted" many and they all say the best way to get the feel for it is to listen to as much fiddle music as possible. They more you know what it's supposed to sound like the easier it will be. They usually say it's harder than they thought it would be but totally worth it.

[@johnnyparker9928]

It like learning a second language.

[@belindawilliams504]

Wow!

[@fo76]

Bruce Molsky uses his command of the instrument to make timeless and touching music and not to show of his skills... and he's even an excellent teacher... this video makes me want to put the banjo in the corner and take up fiddling...

[@bigal25938]

Tell us about the fiddle.

[@Banjer]

Ottimo!! Grazie