The "Slap" // Fiddle Techniques

[@Jleed989]

A similar technique is used to kick off Western swing tunes using down bows. For example on Faded Love

[@FiddleGeeks]

What fun! I love your energy.

[@TheTuneProject]

Thanks so much, Ruth!! 🤗

[@cervus-venator]

So in researching and learning Cluck Old Hen, in a version I have they indicate to pluck in a couple of areas. What I've seen in video's several people like to replace the "pluck" with this slap technique. It actually sounds good and fits in with the tune. I think in your demo you used this technique six times. Some were more pronounced than others.

[@TheTuneProject]

That’s so interesting because I always add the slap naturally when I play that tune! Makes sense now why it works so well. Yes, I think you are right with that number!

[@davealexander7427]

Thanks for the new technique

[@TheTuneProject]

You are welcome!

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

Love the tune, wish I knew what it is and hopefully you can teach us please. Excellent video and thank you so much. will try out tonight in Pete Coopers lesson.

[@TheTuneProject]

Glad you enjoyed it, Neil! The tune is called ‘The High Drive’. 🙂

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

@@TheTuneProject even better as I used the slap in Johnnie Cope and it worked well.

[@spockb1186]

Interesting Technique, Lauren. Thank you so much!

[@TheTuneProject]

Thanks for watching!

[@Sara-wd5lk]

Thank you so much for this video, Lauren! That was really interesting! 🌹❣

[@TheTuneProject]

Thanks for watching, Sara!

[@deadmanswife3625]

Jete (or ricochet) Jete violin. dropped on the down bow

[@TheTuneProject]

The ricochet is a little more involved than this one, but they are similar!

[@WayneFielder]

Absolutely a Scottish thing but also Irish and Bluegrass inherited the technique from both. We hear it all the time that *chrunchy chunch SLAP* fiddle style to enter a tune or the same thing entering a chorus. That *crunch* of the fiddle is unchallenged in music. Violas have tried it...hell I've tried on a viola strung as a violin...and it just don't work. Something special about the Violin that allows us this privilege.

[@TheTuneProject]

It’s very similar! In bluegrass the technique you’re talking about happens more so at the frog, whereas the slap is a little further out & employs gravity over weight.

[@terrytombaugh3253]

So you are using that on a down bow on the E string in Pig Ankle Rag. I was wondering what it was.

[@TheTuneProject]

You are right! I tend to use this technique pretty often without always realizing - I guess the Scottish style has influenced me! 😅

[@songsabai3794]

Sounds like 8-slaps...?

[@TheTuneProject]

Somewhere around there... some were more obvious than others!