The best double-stops exercise for violin

[@essentiallyjoy3912]

Daniel, you are a brilliant teacher!!!! I'm grateful I found your page 😄

[@DanielKurganov]

🙏🏼 thank you

[@leif1075]

@@DanielKurganov For the part around 3:50, why are there no double stops? And I hope you can PLEASE share any tips on how to practice double stops or scales without it becoming monotonous? Like maybe some basic pieces to start to practice on. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanielKurganov]

@@leif1075 look at Hofmann double stop studies. It starts from the very elementary stages and works forward progressively. It’s free on imslp. For pieces, look at the suzuki books and Barbara Barber books. There are some nice tunes there for various levels. If things feel monotonous, it usually means that you’re not paying close attention to the quality of your sound and pitch! Best of luck!

[@benitaghorbani1550]

Same here

[@johnyeap7133]

Brahms playing tone is so crunchy nice!!!!

[@larsengenovese492]

Your triplet variation is genius, great for coordination! Bravo

[@violintegral]

I found the Ysaye exercise very helpful! Even in one day my intonation improved a lot.

[@DanielKurganov]

Harrison Loeffler awesome!! That’s an exercise for life!

[@violintegral]

@@DanielKurganov Yes it is! And about this video, how would you practice to improve your vibrato when playing double stops? I find it's hard to get a good vibrato when playing double stops, and for octaves they can sometimes go out of tune with vibrato.

[@DanielKurganov]

I would say the best bet is to, despite the difficulty that can come with playing double stops, press very lightly and keep your fingers flatter on the violin. They will be more flexible and the smallest joint will be easier to ‘swing’ into vibration. Easier said than done. But if you keep that as a guiding principle, and look at my reply to MCMaru on achieving light pressure/relaxed hand in double stops, you’ll start heading in the right direction.

[@ivyssauro123]

@@violintegral also, if I allow myself in with an unasked opinion, no matter how hard you try double stops vibrato will be uneven, one finger will always outshine the other; now that comes into phrasing, figure out which note you want to stick out, and make sure that one is vibrating beautifully, the other will follow, not as boldly, but no one will notice.

[@batlin]

Same here! I literally spent maybe 10 minutes just trying it out at the first part (just playing open string, then a third, fourth and the double-stop, separately for each pair of strings). I've been really frustrated with my string crossings in the last few weeks because it's incredibly sloppy. Within a few minutes I started to feel much more aware and in control of how and when the crossing was happening. Mind absolutely blown by that exercise (and the explanations of de-synchronised fingering/crossing + electric finger action and pointers about which joints should be activating the percussive step + more).

[@regenevelasquez3760]

YOUR VIDEOS ARE SO VERY HELPFUL!

[@DanielKurganov]

I'm so glad!

[@regenevelasquez3760]

can I ask? how to start classical pieces??

[@tiali3105]

This saved me because I have an exam soon and double stops are all I need to work on. Than You SOOOOO much!

[@fabioreisviolinistadarua8136]

Thank you! My practice is showing results faster after watching your videos, realy happy . Keep the work.

[@ivyssauro123]

That part of the Brahms concerto is pretty insane! The full thing is probably one the hardest stuff on romantic repertoire

[@jaguarcesar]

Master Daniel, you're the finest teacher of whole KZbin! Thank you so much and thumbs up!

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks so much!

[@jaredviolin14]

Wow. And then U mixed the time values and my brain exploded. Great vid. Beautiful playing

[@valerievasselon1233]

Your Brahms sounds great.

[@daniel3231995]

yeah do whole brahms!

[@leopardtiger1022]

Thank you for such beautiful systematic steps to practice ...you have a clear method of teaching ...best teacher .

[@StringsterOfficial]

I didn’t know about this book - thank you for sharing! Ordering this book today!

[@Shareef2610]

Amazing video very helpful thank. You I will send to my students.

[@jasminet7690]

The two against three 🤯

[@DanielKurganov]

next try 3 against 4 :)

[@rin-vm1eu]

thank you for your videos :)) i stopped playing the violin years ago, and i've only decided to start practicing again. one day i'll reach this level and i'll finally be able to play the pieces i love!

[@benjaminng4582]

Thanks so much! Appreciate your effort into introducing these exercises to other violinists out there! Hope to see more of these videos 👍

[@SF-ru3lp]

I love your approach to breaking down really useful technique exercises. I am an adult learner and I love getting the new ideas they help over time. G

[@DanielKurganov]

I'm so glad it's useful for you!

[@thecatofnineswords]

I found Vamos' double stop exercises a few years ago, when I was first learning fingered thirds & sixths. They were very hard work back then but I persevered and the changes they wrought in my flexibility and dexterity were astounding. I've barely progressed through the patterns (just the first two so far) in four years, they are that true gem - simple to learn, and take a long time to master. I am nowhere near ready to put duplets next to triplets though! That's a frightfully difficult level of finger coordination!!!!

[@amusicment4829]

So awesome, thank you

[@DanielKurganov]

You are so welcome!

[@ubecheesepandesal]

You're a great teacher!!!

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks so much!

[@robinmarks5638]

Your teaching is wonderful!

[@AcidSpitter783]

This helps me on Rode Double stops

[@alejandroormeno5009]

Thank you very much Master Daniel!!! I like the video, now I can keep practicing in much better way! From Lima Peru

[@DanielKurganov]

Great!

[@camillodiliberti2719]

Congratulations, this video is very interesting for me, it helped me understand some things that I have studied in the past. Thanks very much for doing these tutorials🙏, you are doing a great job.

[@DanielKurganov]

00:18 Intro 01:23 Exercise Overview 01:40 Demonstration 04:18 Technique Guidelines Examples: 05:04 Bruch - Violin Concerto in G minor 05:51 Brahms - Violin Concerto in D minor 06:48 Fritz Kreisler - Recitative & Scherzo 07:11 Bach - E Major Partita for violin Solo

[@toffifeewolf2069]

Right in time! I'm currently learning the 7th Spohr violin concerto and there are these double third trills and these exercises are perfect.

[@DanielKurganov]

Wonderful! Love those Spohr concertos...such great vehicles!

[@toffifeewolf2069]

@@DanielKurganov and sadly, very underrated!

[@heidigold238]

WOW this came up at the right time for me Thank you again going to use all these methods for practice now thankyou Thankyou

[@willy_wombat]

Gonna work on this. Thank you ❤

[@gagamin2]

Great video Maestro. I like your sound especially I couldnt beliebe you are using wrist vibrato even double stops. Could you make a video about high position pinky vibrato if possible?

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks! That’s a good idea!

[@angelicacantu3382]

@@DanielKurganov Yes! A vibrato video would be delightful!

[@peternazareth3352]

U play just awesome.

[@violinhunter2]

I have heard of Vamos and his wife - both violin pedagogues. I might be mistaken but I think Menuhin studied with them or he consulted them for some problems he was having..... As always, very nice training video - simple to understand and concise....

[@DanielKurganov]

Hadn't heard that! I'm sure if they met, they'd have plenty to talk about.

[@CRS1952]

Vamos was younger than Menuhin. He taught Rachel Barton Pine who r told him.

[@practizma]

Great video. Adding these to my warm ups!

[@Anastasiaviolinistparis]

Incredible ❤❤

[@888violinlover]

Fantastic job! You are doing a great work here and I found it so very helpful, please keep them coming, if you have chance, could you please talk about VIBRATOS, especially when one is on stage. When one is a bit nervous, how to control the vibratos so it’s not shaky. Thanks big time!!!!!

[@DanielKurganov]

thanks, and great idea!

[@augustinechinnappanmuthria7042]

Super Sir

[@michaeltaylor7407]

Wow! Daniel. You sound amazing. This is way out of my league but fascinating nevertheless.

[@baruckborean7728]

Obrigado Daniel 🙏😃

[@madhusudan6129]

Great playing good teacher 🤗

[@cnewtonc]

I live for Double Stops :) Thank You.

[@ivyssauro123]

Holy moly this channel is precious!!! You look very young (despite the beard) how old are you and how long have you been playing? You seem to have the knowledge of a 60+ master haha

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks Ivo, you are very kind! I am 33 years old, and I have been playing the violin for exactly half my life this year!

[@retrops4261]

Your variation with polyrhythmes makes me think of Ivo Wandewulff's very similar exercise. Love Korgueff/Vamos btw. Great stuff

[@barbarapearce3454]

Please can you show what fingers you are putting down in double stops as cannot quite see where either as I really really want to be able to play them?

[@RizRamadhan]

This is incredible! Thanks so much for sharing this! Anyway I always love your Brahms. I wish someday you'll record all Brahms sonatas..

[@DanielKurganov]

I just did! Will be released next year :)

[@RizRamadhan]

@@DanielKurganov Great to hear! Looking forward!

[@cesarau75]

Thank for this!!!! Great job

[@Wooviolin]

“Welcome back to tech-support” hahaha I just got this

[@user-do5hd7zb4x]

Absolutly charming!😅

[@ksychess]

Muito bom!!! Ficaria perfeito se tivesse legenda em português ou espanhol!

[@GuitSiva]

Good job..👏 Warm cheers 😊 God bless 🙏🎸🎶

[@soooofiiiiiaaaaacarnelli]

👏👏🇺🇾 Gracias !

[@leidy3738]

He makes to seem all so easily

[@chriss6356]

Your violin has a beautiful tone, can you please tell the maker/ year?

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks! The maker is Andrew Ryan. Check out my latest video where I visited his workshop :)

[@JustFiddler]

very helpful, thankyou

[@Tiber24100]

Bravo

[@ceciliamoreno7221]

Hola Daniel! Gracias por compartir tu trabajo, es excelente!!! Cómo podría conseguir el libro de Vamos?

[@DanielKurganov]

Gracias! Escríbeme un email! [e-mail]

[@katemartin7691]

Hi I've just come across you which I'm glad as im currently learning double stops but I'm playing this tune that has 4 slurred semi quavers but the first note is a double stop and other 3 notes singular and I'm not sure how its played

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

I saw the thumbnail and thought "oh no, here comes another amateur violinist looking for clicks/views" and then I saw your name and since I've watched (and loved) your past videos I watched this. It's very good! I'm glad I didn't just scroll past. As a side note, may I ask what violin you're playing on? Is it modern? It has a very clean and powerful sound [which is why I guessed modern], but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a fine antique too!

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks, Liam! My violin was made by Andrew Ryan.

[@Spiritmourn]

Thank you so much. Have you a video on any Bach double/trip stops etc? I am finding the fingerings really hard to work out! (Bach Dm 1st movement BWV1051r)

[@ArkyliouS]

Question, how are you adding reverb to your sound post production, and what microphone are you using? But.. amazing amazing stuff here

[@lagrenounouille]

I would be surprised if he had added any reverb to this...

[@LeonidAnikin]

Dear Daniel, where can I find a link to the sheets? There is no link in description...

[@DanielKurganov]

It's not actually for sale as I anticipated. But honestly, you don't need it! The two screenshots in the video is all you need to know! The 7 patterns, and how the routine goes. That's it. Try it as written and then you’ll easily see how you can do the same routine with the 7 patterns in any position, on any two strings. Korgoff’s exercises contain most of the Vamos routine.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Delighted to get that clarification Daniel, thank you! This is one area of focus for me right now.

[@evomusic1720]

This video title has two meanings. lol. Thank you for your videos.

[@arieskyguilarteg4585]

Realy realy nice and ......I don't know what word to use..it should be like water for violin players...thanks

[@LavenderValley777]

😃 😂🤣 Beard brought to you by Covid 19.... You got that humour never .. love you...

[@mga440]

Hi Daniel, I'm just double checking. It seems that you are playing a slightly different pattern in the first measure when you demonstrate the exercise. The score in the video shows the moving notes as G A C B but you play G C A B. Is there something preferable in the pattern you use? Do you use that pattern on the other strings as well? You videos are amazing!!!

[@DanielKurganov]

Good catch - yes I typically play it like that as there was a version of this exercise shown to me by Zakhar Bron which I liked. So, some things got mixed up :)

[@flamon__]

Very helpful exercises, thank you so much!! Ps what kind of chinrest do you use? And what is it that black thing on it?

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks! Chinrest is Wave I, black pad is from MachOne

[@flamon__]

@@DanielKurganov Thank you for the informations! Hope that you'll make more helpful videos soon!!

[@jervilopez1844]

Similar to cossmann on the cello

[@Wilder.Ness.]

Daniel Kurganov, Violinist. Maestro. I wish , I could learn from you in real as your disciple. I don't have enough money . Otherwise, I would try to fly over your location and get a face to to face lesson from you. May Allah give you a long live and A happy life. I hope, One day I will meet If he want.

[@merlinsmustche]

Whats the fingerings for the last exercise on page 2? Is the 4th finger sliding back and forth between E and F? Thank you so much!

[@MCMeru]

Hey Daniel, great video! One question, do you have a tip on how I can avoid my left hand (and wrist) tensing up during this exercise? (or in general lol)

[@DanielKurganov]

Thank you! So, I alluded to it in the video, but this is one of those topics that’s hard to address without seeing and hearing someone’s individual playing. One of the most important tools is the idea of ‘accommodation’. Doing everything you can to help fingers fall where they should. The idea of having a ‘correct playing position’ in the left hand is at the heart of the problem. It results in locked arms/wrists such that your hand/fingers are left struggling, and inevitably become debilitatingly tense. Rather think of the whole system as flexible: 1. the arm should swing under the violin freely as needed 2. the forearm should pronate and supinate freely to rotate the hand as needed. 3. the wrist should cave inward freely to increase your reach. 4. You should work to become aware of how flat you place fingers (I don’t mean pitch) and how close they are to which neighboring string during certain types of patterns. The idea that there are actually a small number of “formulas” which guide how we manipulate those factors in different situations. They become intuitive after a while. The formula looks like a shape, and is no longer a list of parameters. Watch Gyorgy Sebok’s Masterclass with the funny blond haired guy playing Chopin. That’s the key. The whole video is marvelous. I will make more videos on this topic someday and am happy to provide private guidance on it. All of these things are better learned with a teacher, though not impossible to gradually evolve on your own. I discovered 90% of this, and in general totally overhauled my technique and musical approach without a dedicated teacher. It will be different for different people.

[@MCMeru]

@@DanielKurganov Wow Thank you for such an elaborate answer!!! Yes its easier with a teacher, and I have one, but during these times, lessons on skype just dont cut it ^^' I think my main problem is that Im not that comfortable with my shoulder rest and chin piece and thus hold the violin too much with my left hand. I will definitely consider all the things you said, when Im practicing. Again, thank you!!

[@barbarapearce3454]

Hi I am not an advanced player so can you please tell me what note the 2nd 2 fingers are on please - it is so quick I cannot see which fingers lift off and stay on the 2nd time you do it? PLease can you let me know so that I can practice it and also, how do I know which two notes and their intervals can go together. Are there definite combinations all the time up the strings and the same? Thank you. Barbara

[@SunilKumar-ef1el]

👏👏

[@nantschev]

Brahms beard))

[@ernesto4585]

Hola, por favor una pregunta sobre cuerdas, cuales usas y recomiendas, gracias

[@DanielKurganov]

I like Thomastik Rondo a lot!

[@essesanus1745]

Hello! Please tell me the name of the first fragment that you played in the video, and possibly where there may be notes of this fragment

[@DanielKurganov]

Brahms Violin Concerto 3rd movement! The sheet music is on IMSLP.org

[@violetviolin10]

Great channel, subscribed! I do have a question My middle knuckle on my 4th finger bends down since I’m double jointed, I can’t keep my finger round once I put pressure on it, although it collapses normally is not a problem if I’m playing a single note using 4th finger and vibrating the note but I find it extremely difficult for double stops that use the 4th finger, have you had to help someone with a double jointed pinky playing double stops and what advice could you think of that could help? Thank you

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks Violet. I recommend two things. One is to return to an analysis of how we accommodate the left hand and fingers in general. Mainly that concerns swinging the arm further in, under the violin, and supinating enough so that all fingers are comfortably close to where they need to touch down. Next, I would focus on the nature of the motion itself. You can train the pinky, as with the other fingers, to act only from the base joint of the finger - like a mallet. This would relieve tension from the finger and I think would help solve the problem. This all takes time and care, though. I also had a similar issue where my pinky would always straighten out, and also stick up. These are the main takeaways from how I was able to address that.

[@darlenerivest148]

Great information, Daniel! I will check out the book by Rolland Vamos. Many have asked about left hand tension. Do you have a suggestion for thumb placement to relieve left hand tension, particularly in double stops?

[@DanielKurganov]

Thanks Darlene! Thumb placement in general should be as natural as when you grasp something. So, opposition somewhere between index and middle finger. This changes to varying degrees depending on the position, string, amount of stretch necessary. So, it’s rather individual and needs to be addressed that way. There is a neat trick I use to train that, as well as vibrato and shoulder tension all in one go. It’s coming up in one of my next videos. Also check out my response to MCmeru. Thanks!

[@darlenerivest148]

@@DanielKurganov Thank you so much for the information, Daniel!

[@pbrent3106]

I'm new and self learning violin. Any tips for strengthening the 4th finger - I'm realizing my double stops are bad - and I think it's my 4th finger. ?

[@DanielKurganov]

Bytovetskiy Exercsies for 3rd and 4th finger, Dounis Op.23, Schradieck Op.1 book 1, Sevcik, Ondricek Superior Finger exercises

[@MatitiahuB]

Vamos based this on Sevcik.

[@DanielKurganov]

Yes, definitely there is nothing new under the sun that hasn't already been somehow address by Sevcik. However, I think there is some novelty in systemizing those concepts as has been done in this book. I am working on a new left hand technique book that attempts to do this as well. Thanks for watching!

[@mehdichaoubi2153]

where did you BUY your violin and how much is iTs price and Thanks

[@lindaliu2689]

Where can I buy the Ysaye’s exercise book?

[@DanielKurganov]

You can download it in my Ysaye video! The link is in the description.

[@suniledirisinghe9347]

When playing double stops does always a unique lower note harmonizes with the high note? Eg:- C note always haminize with F# ... if someone know pls tell🥺

[@DanielKurganov]

Undertones are out there, but often they're not quite "in tune" with the main notes in the way we would expect. The harmonic series starts to get funky at a certain point.

[@marcelo3257]

I am from Brazil and wrote myself on the channel, but there is no subtitle so I can understand everything.

[@franciscocamacho82]

do you teach on zoom? private lessons?

[@DanielKurganov]

sometimes! you can find info at kurganov.io

[@Tulsenus]

he looks like tchaikovsky

[@pinkroomviolin1344]

😮😲🧡

[@EllieMcEla]

You should work on your fourth finger!!

[@lagrenounouille]

... giving unsolicited advice? Isn't usually very well received. It just makes the friendly advisor look pretty arrogant, negative and maybe even envious.

[@craigr2317]

We mourn for your loss, but the gun didn't shoot your son, a misguided individual did. Outlawing the weapon won't solve the problem. The problem are those who are killing. I urge you to focus on the core problem and stop dancing around the core issue - teaching respect for life and investing in programs to avert the divisive, hateful, lack of respect and love for others.

[@DanielKurganov]

Hello, Mr. Putin!