Call-and-response Exercises 1.1
Now that you are on the fiddler’s journey, you will need a magic amulet: ear-training. Having this magic amulet will give you the power to play in tune, learn melodies by ear and eventually to improvise.
We will develop this magical amulet by playing a game called “Call-and-response.” This is one of the small steps that will set you up for a bigger win to come later in this lesson series: learning your first tune.
How this works
- In these progressive call-and-response exercises, I’ll play something and then leave a space for you to play the same thing. Try to get in the mindset of a little kid playing a game of Simon and having fun.
- Each exercise will start simply with single notes and then develop into more complex patterns. But pay attention! I will return to single notes here and there to keep you on your toes.
- All exercises can be practiced with bowing, plucking singing or humming. In some cases, I’ll specifically suggest doing it a certain way.
- If after trying this, it is not clear, please ask a question in the comments below.
Video demonstration
Exercise 1: D string
Exercise 2: A string
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Exercise 3: D and A strings
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Exercise 4: E string
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Exercise 5: A and E strings
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Exercise 6: D, A and E strings
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Exercise 7: G string
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Exercise 8: G, D and A strings
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Exercise 9: G, D, A, and E strings
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Module Progress 1.1
Lessons complete in Module 1.1:
All exercises can be practiced with plucking, bowing, singing or humming.
Unless this is extremely easy for you, I recommend practicing each of these exercises at least twice. The more you practice this way, the more the fiddle will become an extension of your body and your voice.
Continue on to Finger Dance >>
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23 responses to “Call-and-response Exercises 1.1”
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I feel like I’m getting it, my sounds are getting clearer. I hope I’m not trying to move to fast, because I really want to learn this. Thanks for making it easier to learn..
Agreed its a fun set of exercises
Just found this woooo whooooo!!!!
I not only hear the notes but I can really feel them when it sounds in tune, great little exercises thanks.
Peace, Cory
The fiddle patterns of legends, these are the very foundations to practice until automatic.
That moment when your bow knows where the string is versus bowing at the string area, hahaha. Eureka!
Wow, just discovered these. So fun and I think helpful!
Exercise 7 is titled “G string”, but is actually G and D strings
On the D string, the first exercise, I’m having trouble remembering the pattern played in a couple of the calls. For example, the one that starts at 2:07, and another that starts about 2:43. I start to play my response, but I just can’t seem to remember the rhythm that got played. I’ve tried it several times (not 1000 yet).
I’ve tried counting, but it hasn’t helped me. Is there a secret? I’d write it down, but that seems to defeat the purpose of the exercise.
I like the string crossing exercise
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! You’re a mind-reader Jason or at least very adept at recognizing ways to build one’s fiddling skills besides just showing up at a bluegrass jam sesh and looking like I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. Thanks for making these challenges very approachable!
Oh no, my first challenge playing fiddle!!!
This has been challenging. I have to listen close so I play the correct note. Definitely good advice to try and recognize patterns.
Same problem as c-note. Exercise 7 labeled as G string but plays as G and D string.
I love this. I feel like a mockingbird.
I can’t get the lessons to play.
Learning and having fun. Thanks Jason
I have the same problem as c-note … the response time is way too short on all but the first one for me. I just couldn’t keep up and pausing every time isn’t feasible. Good exercises though, but I’ll never be able to mark this one as complete I think
Hey Reevo, I ended up just speeding up the responses to fit into the space. When you “know” what to play, you can kinda speed it up anyway.
This lesson was really challenging. Is it just me or do the recordings need two more seconds for the response? It seems like I’m finishing and the call is starting already
Exercise 6 and 9 are the same and exercise 8 includes 3 strings vs just the 2 listed.
Hey rmwest87,
Thanks for letting me know. I cut the extra exercise and correctly labeled #8.
What did you think of these? Were they challenging? Fun? Could it be better?
Lots of fun! I like that it takes something that could get very boring and makes it engaging to keep playing.