Soldier's Joy- fiddle lesson with ideas for bowing, drones, variation, syncopation, and backing

Soldier's Joy is possibly the most widely known traditional tune across Europe and America. In this fiddle lesson I teach the tune in old time/bluegrass style, and look at various aspects of technique and performance.
I try out several bowing patterns to suit the different phrasing of the first and second halves.
I look at simple ways of varying the melody, using syncopation and the extending of melody notes. I demonstrate open string drones and double stops.
Finally I show different ways of playing backing on the fiddle; chopping (old style), chopping (new style), the Nashville Shuffle, the Georgia Shuffle, and long held notes.
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 help 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 a backing rack once a 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
/ thefiddlechannel
2. BOOKS
I have seven 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 (due out October 2021)
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; tinyurl.com/49...
Part 2 tinyurl.com/23...
-MUSIC GURUS Discovering Rock Violin. . Based on my Schott book
£35 for 46 lessons
tinyurl.com/2u...
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....
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]

[@johntait491]

The syncopation and dragging the note as you suggest is a great idea to brighten up the standard melody. "New Style Chopping" was interesting and nice to listen to. Thank you. 👍

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Hi John. I'm a firm believer that even the tunes you're completely bored with have something new to offer if only you look for it!

[@johntait491]

@@TheFiddleChannel I'm very grateful that you have made that point very clear with your various "licks and tricks" on some standards like "Soldier's Joy", but also "Liberty", "Maiden's Prayer" and "Cheatin' Heart" etc. It is very generous of you to put in the time and effort to do this. Thank you. 👍

[@mrgroovestring]

This is another good old tune that I really love. Thankee Chris!

[@dannywong5810]

You are such an inspiration for me with you style of play and teachings.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Danny!

[@joeharris8574]

Thanks Chris. Good lesson on this old classic song.

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks Joe!

[@andypastor4693]

Really liked your chopping back up technique. It would be fantastic to see a video on more in-depth chopping techniques and practice drills. Thanks for this effort putting up these videos!

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Hi Andy. Yes, I'd like to do a chopping video- I just have to work out what it need in terms of camera placing.

[@acharyajamesoermannspeaker6563]

Wide spread and popular. Yes! Published 1700s, can't believe some think it's a 19th century piece. "The point of syncopation is.......😂surprise."

[@alaskandesign]

A treasure of knowledge, as always! Just an fyi for you, your URL in the description (schottmusiclondon...) is missing a .com!

[@TheFiddleChannel]

Thanks. I've fixed the link!