The "fiddle capo" technique

The "fiddle capo" is a technique for improvising in difficult keys, using the first finger across root and fifth of the key you are playing in. I first came across the name from an article by Paul Anastasio. It is widely used, but not often described or explained. It is suitable for jazz, bluegrass, rock, country and other genres. A free pdf of the sheet music for this lesson is availble to subscribers (see below).
Below are details of further fiddle resources from Chris Haigh
1. Patreon
2. Books
3. Subscription video courses
4. Website
5. Email to request pdf’s.
1. PATREON
This is a platform where anyone can directly help to support creative artists and get closer access to their work. You can join me on Patreon at three levels, for £4, £10 or £40 per month.

At the lowest level you get access to all my pdf’s and tune collections, plus many exclusive tuition videos not available to the public.
At level 2 you can join also me once a month for a group Zoom chat, and can request three backing tracks each month.
Level 3 gives you all the above plus a free lesson once a month, and access to all my backing tracks.
You can find me on Patreon at
www.patreon.com/thefiddlechannel
2. BOOKS
I have eight fiddle tuition books published by Schott, all widely available from the publisher, from Amazon, and many other outlets. All come with audio tracks illustrating the tunes and exercises.
Exploring Jazz Violin
Beginning Jazz Violin
Discovering Rock Violin
Exploring Folk Fiddle
Exploring Klezmer Fiddle
Hungarian Fiddle Tunes
French Fiddle Tunes
Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle
You can order from
bit.ly/31ZWmgm
3. VIDEO SUBSCRIPTION COURSES
I have three video subscription courses
-
MUSIC GURUS- Exploring Jazz Violin. Based on my Schott book
Parts 1 and 2 are each £26 for 26 lessons, covering the first and second halves of the book
Part 1; tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
Part 2 tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
MUSIC GURUS Discovering Rock Violin. . Based on my Schott book
£35 for 46 lessons
tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
MUSIC GURUS Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle. Based on my Schott book. 31 lessons for £31.99
tidd.ly/3SwHGhb
ACADEMY OF FOLK
Includes a folk fiddle primer course, with introductions to basic techniques and concepts plus an Irish Fiddle Course and Scottish fiddle course. A monthly sub of $9.99 gives access to all lessons
academyoffolk.com/
I suggest you contact me before subscribing.
4. WEBSITE
My website is probably the most extensive and detailed summary of fiddle styles on the web, as evidenced by the range of top hits on Google for many fiddle styles.
www.fiddlingaround.co.uk
__________________________________________________________
TO REQUEST PDF’S, or ask any questions, CONTACT ME AT
[e-mail]

[@tedlehman326]

can't wait to use this to get into harder keys in Bluegrass fiddle

[@johntait491]

Excellent advice and very well demonstrated Chris. Thank you. 👍

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks John!

[@PierreJamesMusic]

you have the best videos for fiddle wow.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Pierre!

[@violinshoko]

Thanks for this. Actually it feels really useful to have done all the scales practice in different positions to look at from this context!

[@ogstopper]

Mind. Blown.

[@brendenmclane9741]

Thank you Chris! Megan Lynch Chowning did a great video on it too, and the other day at the Oldtime jam, when the bluegrass Dailey's Reel in b flat came along, it really helped me at least get a skeleton of the melody. I appreciate being able to review it again with you. All the best from the PNW!

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Hi Brenden, glad you found this useful!

[@ssgiddyup]

I first learned this from Megan at a camp. But it's always good to see someone else's version. Thanks, Chris. I especially liked seeing you improvise over tunes to show what can be done.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

@@ssgiddyup Thanks. Did Megan also call it the "fiddle capo"?

[@ssgiddyup]

Yes, she did. She originally taught the I, IV, V chord fingering. I kept that handout in my case for years. I'm working on more advanced improvising now, which is where your video is great.

[@katieBmurphy]

It finally makes sense 😃

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Glad to hear it!

[@janelnelson]

Thanks for the clear explanation of a very useful technique. What a great song you chose on which to illustrate it ("Your Love Is Like A Flower"). I had never heard it. And, I love your shirt!!

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Glad you found this useful. And I'm glad you like the shirt! First time I've ever bought one online!

[@ellenbruckermarshall4179]

Thanks! Big huge help for playing with guitars fond of keys of B and E.

[@songsabai3794]

Awesome as usual...great shirt btw! 😁

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks!

[@shadowshadow2485]

Amazing , fascinating , I never never heard of this , your knowledge is crazy ; how is it you're not teaching at a college ? Man , your knowledge blows my mind , thanks , moe

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Moe, glad you found this useful!

[@s.macmillan460]

I really enjoy your instructions

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks!

[@ShurtleffSquad]

Great video Chris! I use this technique on the regular. It’s a must for improvisation and playing over those non standard keys. Idea for another video would be to explain how to use this technique to access the relative minor scale (playing/targeting the third finger below the root). Also, I could use a ten licks video that focuses on using this technique. I’m stuck using the same four or five. You had some great sounding blues licks in there. Keep up the great work!

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks- that's a good idea for a video!

[@danielgaughan4243]

what ARE YOU “on” about!?

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Hi Daniel. Did you watch the video? Does something not make sense?