D1-1-3-A0-E0-0-A3-2-3-2-0-D1-2
This is a tricky rhythm known as syncopation in which we play on the offbeat. For more lessons on syncopation. If you want to learn and practice this more, then go here:
D1-1-3-A0-E0-0-A3-2-3-2-0-D1-2
This is a tricky rhythm known as syncopation in which we play on the offbeat. For more lessons on syncopation. If you want to learn and practice this more, then go here:
Hooray for life. Just writing to write. Well, not just that. I’m also testing this cool new WP editor.
I like Fiddle Ragas.
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Here is a quick way for you to access the essential practice tools you need. Under each tab you'll find play-along tracks, tabs and condensed teachings to help you as you practice. This is an evolving idea, so let me know in a comment below if it could be better.
Here's a listing of all core lessons you've completed in the main course (modules 1.1 to 2.9).
Here are drones for the most common fiddle keys. A D drone can be used to practice tunes in D major or D minor (Dorian or Aeolian).
For drones in different keys as well as different textures and beats, go to: Drone Central.
Learn more about how to play in tune with drones here: Drone tuning the notes on the D string.
This track speeds up in 10 bpm increments.
For more fun and inspiring beats go to Beat Central.
Here's a newer version of the Notefinder which is based on sheet music. If you're interested in learning to read, this will be an invaluable reference. I'll be posting lessons on this in 2020.
Note: the brackets indicate notes that are the same pitch but spelled differently. For example, AH3 (D#) sounds the same as AL4 (Eb). Without going into too much teory detail here, this will be determined by the key of the tune or piece you are playing.
Here's he original table version of the Notefinder. Sometimes people learn in different ways...
This is used to find notes in Sawmill tuning (when the G string is tuned up to A and the D string is tuned up to E). If you're a beginner...best to ignore this! Learn more about sawmill tuning in the Appalachian Fiddle course.
G0-1-2-3-D0-1-2-3-A0-1-2-3-E0-1-2-3
Here are some common scales used in fiddle tunes. Each runs through a series of variations: two bows legato, two bows staccato, four bows, tucka (4 shorts, two longs), hoedown (1 long, two shorts), throwaway bow, triplets, tremolo.
D Major
G Major, starting on D3
A Major
D Dorian
A Dorian
Practice a tune with its scale (Kerry Polka is in G major, so practice a G major scale). Practice scales before, during and after practicing tunes.
For more scale play-along tracks, go to Scale Central.
Tucka
Short-short-short-short-long-long. Practice on D string:
Practice more: Fingering with Bowing Exercises
Hoedown
Long-short-short. Practice on D string:
Triplets
1-2-3 notes per step. Practice D0-0-0-A0-0-0 with plucking:
Practice more: String Crossing Exercises
Swing
Long-short. Practice G0-0-2-2-D0-0-3-3-3-3-0-0 with the 'swing double' rhythm:
Slur two
Here we play two notes per bow. Practice D0-1-1-0 with slur two:
Practice more: Slur Two Exercises
Slur three
Here we play three notes per bow. Practice D0-1-2-2-1-0 with slur three:
Practice more: Slur Three Exercises
Slur four
Here we play four notes per bow. Practice with D0-1-2-3, first time downbow, then upbow:
Practice more: Slur Four Exercises
Slur two-separate two
This forms a hoedown pattern (long-short-short). Practice it with D0-1-1-1:
Practice more: Slur Two-Separate Two Exercises
Find all play-along tracks for intervals here: Interval Central
Practice intervals with a drone: 5 minutes
Experiment combining or alternating routines.
Here are a few technical reminders to remember as you practice.