It’s hard to learn the fiddle on your own.

With FiddleHed as your guide, you’ll learn fun tunes which help you develop specific skills. With our “Small Steps Small Wins” fiddlosophy, you’ll have fun as you make measurable progress.

 

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Intermediate Fiddle Skills You’ll Learn

I handpicked specific tunes to help you practice each skill.

  • Fourth Finger (pinky)…which you’ll practice on tunes like Hobart’s Transformation
  • Advanced Fingering And String Crossing…which you’ll practice on tunes like Harvest Home
  • Double Stops (two notes at once)…which you’ll practice on tunes like Kerry Polka
  • Chords, Chord progressions and Chord backup…which you’ll practice on tunes like on Oh Susannah
  • Low First Finger And F Major…which you’ll practice on tunes like Southwind
  • Georgia Shuffle…which you’ll practice on tunes like Blackberry Blossom
  • Raised Third Finger, A Major (lower octave)…which you’ll practice on tunes like Wagon Wheel

These are just a few the skills and tunes I’ll show you to help you realize your dream of being a fiddler 🎻. See the full course lower down the page. ⬇️


Songs are broken down into bite-sized chunks

 

All songs are broken into a series of smaller and smaller chunks. This helps you learn new songs more easily. But even better, you learn how to learn new songs by breaking them into smaller chunks.

For example, Kerry Polka has an A and a B part. We can break the A part into quarters:

 

 

Then we break the first quarter down even further. This helps you to master every challenge.

Kerry Polka, A Part, First Quarter

D0-0-1-1

A1-1-D0-0

First quarter: A1-D0-1-0-A1-D0-1-0

The color-coded tabs tell you that the first quarter of the A part is the same as the third:

A part

First quarter: A1-D0-1-0-A1-D0-1-0

Second quarter: D3-A0-1-0-D3-1-0

Third quarter: A1-D0-1-0-A1-D0-1-0

Fourth quarter: D3-A0-1-0-D3-3

B part

First quarter: A1-3-1-1-0-D3-1-0

Second quarter: D3-A0-1-0-D3-1-0

Third quarter: A1-3-1-1-0-D3-1-0

Fourth quarter: D3-A0-1-0-D3-3

What other repetition can you observe in this song? Noticing this makes it easier to learn 🤓


Not yet ready to dive into a trial subscription?

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Where do I start?

If you’re not an absolute beginner, it can be tricky and overwhelming finding a place to start in the course. Here’s a visual guide. I made a more involved self-assessment tool on the Getting Started page.


Intermediate Course Outline

You can see all Intermediate modules by going to the main menu, then hover over courses, then hover over “Intermediate Fiddle Lessons”.

2.1 In the Pink

🚀 Get ready for an incredible adventure in fiddle module 2.1! Master skills like 🖐️ Introduction to the Fourth Finger, practice 🔄 transposed tunes, and work on your timing. Apply your 🆕 techniques with tunes like Hobart’s Transformation, Ballydesmond Polka – Upper Octave, and The Butterfly, while enjoying practice strategies and workshops along the way.

Go to Module 2.1


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.


Week 2


Week 3

 

2.2 Look Both Ways Before You Cross

Prepare for an amazing journey in fiddle module 2.2! Enhance your skills with 🤏 Fingering and String Crossing 1, 🌉 Slur Across Strings, and Bouncing The Bow. Apply your 🆕 techniques to tunes like Harvest Home, Kesh Jig, and Bill Cheatham, while enjoying practice strategies, video capsule tunes, and more.

Go to Module 2.2


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.


Week 2


Week 3

2.3 Double Down

🎻🎉 Get ready for an amazing adventure in Module 2.3! Hone your skills with 🎶 Double Stops on various string pairs, ✌️ Fourth Finger Exercises, and Fingering and String Crossing. Apply your 🆕 techniques to tunes like Saint Anne’s Reel, Danny Boy, and Flop Eared Mule, while enjoying practice strategies, video capsules, and the Bird’s-eye Review Set.

Go to Module 2.3


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.


Week 2


Week 3

2.4 Gotta Love the Low First

🎻🤩 Welcome to Module 2.4! This time, you’ll master the 📏 Low First Finger technique and the F Major Scale, with tunes like Southwind and Foggy Dew. Discover 🌟 Double Stops II and get ready to back up your playing with Super Easy Chord Backup. Complete your learning with call-and-response exercises and a review set for the grand finale!

Go to Module 2.4


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.


Week 2


Week 3

2.5 Soldiering On

🎉🎻 Welcome to Module 2.5! Get ready to dive into advanced techniques with 🌈 Double Stops III and Major Pentatonic Scales. You’ll also learn the I-IV-V Chord Progressions and practice tunes like Soldier’s Joy (Intermediate version), Irish Washerwoman, and Blackberry Blossom. Wrap up your learning with call-and-response exercises and a 🎯 review set. Go fiddle with it!

Go to Module 2.5


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Share your progress with the FiddleHed community by posting to the Student Video Exchange.


Week 2


Week 3

2.6 Gravy

🎻🤗 Get ready for Module 2.6! You’ll master techniques like Low 4th Finger and Slur Eight. Boost your skills with tunes like Lucy Farr’s, House of the Rising Sun, and Done Gone 🎶, as well as practice chord backup with various songs. Finish strong with a 💪 call-and-response exercise and a comprehensive review set. Time to get yer fiddle on!

Go to Module 2.6 


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Share your progress with the FiddleHed community by posting to the Student Video Exchange.


Week 2


Week 3

2.7 That Old-time Drone

 

🎻🎉 Welcome to Module 2.7! You’ll dive into new techniques like Droning Double Stop Scale and Minor Triads. Enjoy playing tunes such as Rights of Man, Kerry Polka, Hava Negilah, and more 🎶, while adding double stops for extra flair! Wrap up the module with 🔄 call-and-response exercises and a thorough review set. Happy fiddling!

Go to Module 2.7 


Week 1


Week 2


Week 3

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.

2.8 Raise the Roof

 

🎻🌟 Welcome to Module 2.8! Master the Raised Third Finger and explore the A Major scale in the lower octave 📈. Have a blast playing tunes like Ashokan Farewell, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and Wagon Wheel 🎶. Finish the module strong with fingering and string crossing practice, call-and-response exercises, and a thorough review set. Let’s fiddle around!

Go to Module 2.8


Week 1

*Make a video of this tune or another core tune after you learn it. Make a second video 2-3 weeks later to see how it’s improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.


Week 2


Week 3

2.9 Flying on Chromatic Pilot

 

🌈 Welcome to Module 2.9! Embrace the colorful world of the chromatic scale, practicing it on the D, A, G, and E strings 🎵. Enjoy learning tunes like Coleraine, Peacock Rag, and Lonesome Fiddle Blues 🎉. Reinforce your skills with syncopated scales and riffs, chord building, fiddle chord voicing, and call-and-response exercises before wrapping up with a comprehensive review set. Keep shining!

Go to Module 2.9


Week 1


Week 2


Week 3


Week 4


Never stop learning

This is the final module in the Intermediate course. You may be wondering, “What should I learn after I finish this module?”

The great thing about about learning music is that you never run out of new things to learn and study. FiddleHed is an ever-expanding source of lessons on challenging tunes and techniques.

Learn more here: Advanced Fiddling


  • All-access Monthly
  • Full access to all courses, lessons & content
  • Live Group Lessons
  • Download Audio and Sheet Music
  • FiddleHed Tune Book
  • Save $78
Best deal

Love your fiddle guarantee™ 

Try out the course, and if you’re not satisfied, just email us within thirty days of purchase for a full refund. No questions asked. ☺️



Frequently Asked Questions

How much time per day will it take?

I recommend that you play at least 20 minutes a day, six days a week.

The great thing about FiddleHed is that you can learn and practice at a time that best fits your schedule. Early morning, during a lunch break, after dinner or at 3 AM (use a practice mute if you have roommates!)  😎

If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll have time, start with just two minutes a day ⏲. Learn more about the Two-Minute Rule.


What’s included in an All-Access subscription?

You get full access to all courses and live workshops with an All-Access subscription. Yearly subscribers also get the FiddleHed Tune Book.


Do I need to know how to read sheet music?

The short answer is no. Our call-and-response teaching and color-coded tabs have helped thousands to learn the fiddle without sheet music.


What if I want to learn to read sheet music?

Being able to read sheet music is a great tool for learning. That said, if you are an absolute beginner, I recommend you wait to learn reading. Start by focusing on learning technique, tunes and having fun. You want to be able to play before you add the additional challenge of note-reading.

I created the course to help people read sheet music in an intuitive way. Students learn to tap into their natural reading ability without getting bogged down in rules and theory. You can either take these lessons as you work through the main course, or you can learn note-reading all at once with the stand-alone course.

Here’s what FiddleHed Joanne has to say about this:

I think your note reading course is fantastic, I can’t think of any improvements to make. I started from absolute scratch, couldn’t read a note and a sheet of music meant absolutely nothing.
I can now look at a new tune and work out the notes and play them (still takes me a little time), then work out the timing and rhythm.
If I look at the sheet music for a tune I know, I can see and hear the notes and rhythm patterns. I got a lot of encouragement & confidence from your mystery tune exercises.

To be clear, the Note-reading for Fiddlers course is included in the All-access subscription.


Can I download the lessons?

Paid subscribers can download audio and sheet music. At this time you can’t download most of the video lessons.

Download the audio clips by clicking the red down arrow.

You can download pdf files of sheet music by opening the pdf and then clicking the download button:


I know I want to sign up for a paid subscription now. How do I do that?

Click here to sign up for a monthly or yearly subscription. It will be good to meet you!


Can I go beyond beginner level with FiddleHed?

Where do you go after the Beginner course? The Intermediate Course, of course 🤓.

The journey doesn’t end there. We also have more advanced courses:

We also give live workshops which will help you to expand your knowledge and make new connections. My students find these to be super valuable. Sometimes I teach a tune by ear. Sometimes we dive deep into a skill like chord backup. And sometimes we take a “Practice Journey” in which we explore different ways to creatively practice a tune.

Click here to check out the replay of the Practice Journey With Bill Cheatham.


Got more questions?

If this doesn’t make sense, just email me. Don’t be shy! I love to hear from new students because it helps me improve the course.


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Leave a Reply

14 responses to “Intermediate Fiddle Lessons

    1. Hi Bill, thanks for reaching out and making this inquiry 🙂 I’ll add this to our request list for future consideration.
      To clarify your request, you are referring to this solo break video from youtube?
      And that you’d like to see it as a full lesson on the Fiddlehed site?
      Happy music making to you 🎶

  1. I’m still working on Module 2.1. I played all sorts of drowning to an old cd I found under the couch today. I know well and thought it would help with what was learned so far. I can do Improve and am comfortable in fun Jam sessions with other pickers when I can find them. The guys often get drug off by their ear……..girl friends or wives……very sad and without good cause, sorry girls! I know what it is to play 3 to6 hrs or more a day . Had a 74 Tele Deluxe from my Gram in !974 and a few more.I never went Pro and can still hear.LOL Had fun and went through this album 3X Took about an hour. Thanks Mr. K

  2. How do I sign up for lessons? I tried the free lesson and nothing happened. How much does it cost to join your instruction? I enjoy your lessons on Youtube and would like to learn much more. I’m sure I have over looked some key to punch to join your classes so, I need help. Also, are you able to select the type of music and lessons. Is there an index of songs to select from? Your attention to this matter is much appreciated.

    Jim Brannan
    2400 Pisgah Rd. 32347
    Perry, Fl. 32347
    850-295-1539

  3. I am a new subscriber. I have shelves full of fiddle books and useful software like “Printmusic” and “Amazing Slow Downer”. I am sometime having problems with terminologies. For me, the “Old Time” bowing is referred to as the “Nashville Shuffle” – 1 long bow and 2 short bows. I will be trying to work out practice material by adapting what you recommend to notation and sound files that will let me practice something regularly to improve intonation and speed.

    I see posting in the forum mentioning “Pentatonic Scales”. I learned the format for major pentatonic, minor pentatonic, and blue scale. But very little is said about applying these scales. A banjo book taught me more about using minor pentatonic scales than my fiddle/violin books ever did.

    One last things. At the end of the technique videos, having musical notation for exercises would be great. I would use it to develop notation and sound files for practicing what you are teaching.

    I am curious about something. What is your policy on using slurs ? In tunes like “Whisky Before Breakfast” you probably use slurs, but I don’t see any in the notation. Using different slurring patterns are a big help when adding some variety to a version of a tune. I am always interesting in different slurring patterns, especially in tunes like “Leather Britches”.

    Visit Quebec. I really like the French Canadian fiddling. Same with Canadian fiddling from the Maritime provinces.
    Maybe having some of those tunes will interest fiddlers in Canada.

  4. Im sure I should stay on track with this more than I do– I went on into my own music choices and am loving it but not getting all the technique I would if I stayed with you. I already knew how to read music so when I got my bearings with fingering I just went off into my own space…. I know, not really what I should do but I’m loving it and having fun. I keep coming back and digging out the things I realize I am falling short on. I’m know I’m loosing/wasting valuable lesson time.