For Dummies

Author: Michael John Sanchez
Format: Book with Audio and Video Online
Instrumentation: Fiddle

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.

TABLE OF 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