Full Description
Learn to play the fiddle? Easy. Tackling a new instrument can be intimidating, but with this easy-to-use guide, you'll have no trouble at all! From selecting, tuning, and caring for your fiddle to mastering various music styles, Fiddle For Dummies walks you step-by-step through everything you need to start playing the fiddle like a pro. You'll discover how to hold a fiddle, master fundamental techniques, and take your skills to the next level. This title also features companion audio tracks and instructional video clips hosted online at Dummies.com to help further enhance your skills.
The fiddle is a popular instrument across many continents, and is a favorite for many because it is small and portable. Playing the fiddle can expose you to a range of musical styles from all over the world, such as Irish, Scottish, Celtic/Cape Breton, country, folk, bluegrass, and more. Plus, if you're already a violin player, you'll impress yourself and fellow musicians as you unlock your instrument to open up a whole new world of sounds.
Learn fiddle techniques and fundamentals
Select, tune, and care for your fiddle
Join the folk instrument movement and master the fiddle
Play fiddle music from all over the world
Whether you're a complete beginner or a violin player looking to branch out and try something new, Fiddle For Dummies will have you fit as a fiddle in no time.
Contents
Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started Playing Fiddle 7
Chapter 1: Getting Ready to Become a Fiddle Player 9
Chapter 2: Selecting the Right Instrument and Accessories 21
Chapter 3: Tuning, Rosining, and Taking Care of Your Fiddle 39
Part II: Working with Technique Basics and Fundamentals 63
Chapter 4: Holding the Fiddle and Bow 65
Chapter 5: Building a Musical Bow Stroke Sound 81
Chapter 6: Working with the Left Hand 105
Part III: Unlocking the Keys to Reading Music 121
Chapter 7: Understanding How to Read Music 123
Chapter 8: Keeping Rhythm in a Fiddle Tune 141
Chapter 9: Starting Easy with Basic Fiddle Tunes 161
Chapter 10: Getting into Trickier Fiddlin' 173
Part IV: Working with the Various Fiddle Styles 185
Chapter 11: Developing the Irish Fiddle Style 187
Chapter 12: Scottish-Style Fiddling 205
Chapter 13: Fiddling to Old-Time Music 219
Chapter 14: Learning Bluegrass Fiddle 237
Part V: Taking Fiddling to the Next Level 249
Chapter 15: Shifting, Vibrato, and Double-Stops 251
Chapter 16: Expanding Your Ability 271
Chapter 17: Improvising and Playing Electric Fiddle 283
Part VI: The Part of Tens 297
Chapter 18: Ten Great Fiddle Players You Need to Hear 299
Chapter 19: (More Than) Ten Tips on Finding the Right Teacher 305
Appendix: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 313
Index 319
