Intermediate Fiddle Lessons
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”Ā 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 youāll practice on tunes like Hobart’s Transformation
- Advanced FingeringĀ And String Crossing…which youāll practice on tunes like Harvest Home
- DoubleĀ Stops (two notes at once)…which youāll practice on tunes like Kerry Polka
- Chords, Chord progressions and Chord backup…which youāll practice on tunes like on Oh Susannah
- Low First Finger And F Major…which youāll practice on tunes likeĀ Southwind
- Georgia Shuffle…which youāll practice on tunes like Blackberry Blossom
- Raised Third Finger, A Major (lower octave)…which youāll 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 š». See the full course lower down the page. ā¬ļø
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
ā¬
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:Ā 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:Ā A1-3-1-1-0-D3-1-0
Second quarter:Ā D3-A0-1-0-D3-1-0
Third quarter:Ā A1-3-1-1-0-D3-1-0
Fourth quarter:Ā D3-A0-1-0-D3-3
What other repetition can you observe in this song? Noticing this makes it easier to learn š¤
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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 IntermediateĀ modules by going to the main menu, then hover over courses, then hover over “Intermediate Fiddle Lessons”.
2.1 In the Pink
š Get ready for an incredible adventure in fiddle module 2.1! Master skills like šļø Introduction to the Fourth Finger, practice š transposed tunes, and work on your timing. Apply your š techniques with tunes like Hobart’s Transformation, Ballydesmond Polka ā Upper Octave, and The Butterfly, while enjoying practice strategies and workshops along the way.
Week 1
- Lesson: Introduction to the Fourth Finger
- Video capsule tune*: Hobart’s Transformation
- Practice Strategy: Mix Up Your Music Practice With Interleaving
*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 itās improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.
Week 2
- Practice:Ā Transposed Tunes With Fourth Finger
- Tune: Ballydesmond Polka – Upper Octave
- Workshop: How To Improve Your Timing
- Lesson: Separate One-Slur Three Bowing
Week 3
- Tune: The Butterfly
- Practice: Separate One-Slur Three Bowing in Tunes
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.1
- Review Set 2.1
2.2 Look Both Ways Before You Cross
Prepare for an amazing journey in fiddle module 2.2! Enhance your skills with š¤ Fingering and String Crossing 1, š Slur Across Strings, and Bouncing The Bow. Apply your š techniques to tunes like Harvest Home, Kesh Jig, and Bill Cheatham, while enjoying practice strategies, video capsule tunes, and more.
Week 1
- Practice:Ā Fingering and String Crossing 1
- Video capsule tune*: Harvest Home
- Practice:Ā Fourth Finger Exercises 2
*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 itās improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.
Week 2
- Technique:Ā Slur Across Strings
- Tune: KeshĀ Jig
- Technique: Bouncing The Bow
- Technique: Smiling Bows š
Week 3
- Practice: Bouncing The Bow – Intermediate Exercises
- Tune: Bill Cheatham
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.2
- Review Set 2.2
2.3 Double Down
š»š Get ready for an amazing adventure in Module 2.3! Hone your skills with š¶ Double Stops on various string pairs, āļø Fourth Finger Exercises, and Fingering and String Crossing. Apply your š 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.
Week 1
- Technique: Double StopsĀ 1 – D and A strings
- Video capsule tune*: Saint Anne’s Reel
- Practice Strategy:Ā Audiation
*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 itās improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.
Week 2
- Technique: Double StopsĀ 1.1 – G and D strings
- Practice:Ā Fourth FingerĀ Exercises III
- Tune: Danny Boy
- Practice: Fingering and String CrossingĀ Exercises II
Week 3
- Technique: Double StopsĀ 1 – A and E strings
- Tune: Flop Eared Mule – BasicĀ
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.3
- Bird’s-eye Review Set 2.3 š¦
2.4Ā Gotta Love the Low First
š»š¤© Welcome to Module 2.4! This time, you’ll master the š Low First Finger technique and the F Major Scale, with tunes like Southwind and Foggy Dew. Discover š 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!
Week 1
- Technique: Low First Finger and F Major Scale
- Video capsule tune*: Southwind
- Practice:Ā F Major Scale Variations
*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
- Practice:Ā Tunes Transposed to F Major
- Tune:Ā Foggy Dew
- Technique: Double Stops II
Week 3
- Tune: Give the Fiddler a Dram
- Technique: Super Easy Chord Backup
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.4
- Review Set 2.4
2.5 Soldiering On
šš» Welcome to Module 2.5! Get ready to dive into advanced techniques with š 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 šÆ review set. Go fiddle with it!
Week 1
- Technique: Double Stops III
- Video capsule tune*: Soldier’s Joy – Intermediate
- Technique:Ā Major Pentatonic Scales
*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 theĀ FiddleHed community by posting to the Student Video Exchange.
Week 2
- Technique:Ā Introduction to the I-IV-V Chord Progressions
- Practice:Ā Fingering And String Crossing 3
- Tune: Irish Washerwoman
Week 3
- Practice:Ā F Major And B Flat Major Scale Variations
- Tune: Blackberry Blossom
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.5
- Review Set 2.5
2.6 Gravy
š»š¤ 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 š¶, as well as practice chord backup with various songs. Finish strong with a šŖ call-and-response exercise and a comprehensive review set. Time to get yer fiddle on!
Week 1
- Technique: Low 4th Finger
- Video capsule tune*:Ā Lucy Farr’s
- Practice:Ā Bile ’em Cabbage Down – Chord Backup
*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 theĀ FiddleHed community by posting to the Student Video Exchange.
Week 2
- Practice:Ā B Flat Major Scale (Upper Octave) Exercises
- Tune: House of the Rising Sun
- Practice: Tunes Transposed with Low Fourth Finger
- Practice: Kerry PolkaĀ – Chord Backup
Week 3
- Technique:Ā Slur Eight
- Tune: Done Gone
- Practice: Louis LouisĀ (And Seven Other songs!) – Chord Backup
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercise 2.6
- Review:Ā Bird’s-eye Review Set 2.6 š¦
2.7Ā That Old-time Drone
š»š 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 š¶, while adding double stops for extra flair! Wrap up the module with š call-and-response exercises and a thorough review set. Happy fiddling!
Week 1
- Technique:Ā Droning Double Stop Scale
- Video capsule tune*: Rights of Man
- Technique:Ā Minor Triads
Week 2
- Tune: Kerry Polka – Adding Double Stops
- Tune: Hava Negilah
- Technique:Ā Double Stops 4
- Tune: Oh Susannah – Adding Double Stops
Week 3
- Practice:Ā Fingering And String Crossing 4
- Tune: Kesh Jig – Adding Double Stops
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercices 2.7
- Review Set 2.7
*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 itās improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.
2.8Ā Raise the Roof
š»š Welcome to Module 2.8! Master the Raised Third Finger and explore the A Major scale in the lower octave š. Have a blast playing tunes like Ashokan Farewell, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and Wagon Wheel š¶. Finish the module strong with fingering and string crossing practice, call-and-response exercises, and a thorough review set. Let’s fiddle around!
Week 1
- Technique:Ā Raised Third Finger
- Video capsule tune*: Ashokan Farewell
- Technique: A Major (Lower Octave)Ā
*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 itās improved and what still needs work. Be kind to yourself.
Week 2
- Practice:Ā Tunes Transposed to A Major Lower Octave
- Tune: Cotton-Eyed Joe
- Technique: Double Stops 5
Week 3
- Tune: Wagon Wheel – 1st break
- Practice:Ā Fingering And String Crossing 5
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.8
- Review Set 2.8
2.9Ā Flying on Chromatic Pilot
š Welcome to Module 2.9! Embrace the colorful world of the chromatic scale, practicing it on the D, A, G, and E strings šµ. Enjoy learning tunes like Coleraine, Peacock Rag, and Lonesome Fiddle Blues š. 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!
Week 1
- Technique: Chromatic Scale on D
- Video capsule tune*: Coleraine
- Practice:Ā Syncopated Scales
- Practice strategy:Ā Chromatic Scale – Practice Tips
Week 2
- Technique: Chromatic Scale on A
- Practice: Syncopated Riffs
- Tune: Peacock Rag
Week 3
- Technique: Chromatic Scale on G
- Practice: Fourth Finger Double Stops
- Lesson:Ā How To Build Chords From Triads
- Tune: Lonesome Fiddle Blues
Week 4
- Technique: Chromatic Scale on E
- Practice:Ā Fiddle Chord Voicing
- Practice: Call-and-response Exercises 2.9
- Bird’s-eye Review Set 2.9 š¦
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:Ā 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
- All-access Yearly
- Full access to all courses, lessons & content
- Live Group Lessons
- Download Audio and Sheet Music
- FiddleHed Tune Book
- Save $78
Love your fiddle guaranteeā¢Ā
Try out the course, and if youāre not satisfied, just email us within thirty days of purchase for a full refund. No questions asked. āŗļø
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!) Ā š
If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll have time, start with just two minutes a day ā². 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 anĀ 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 Note-reading For FiddlersĀ 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:
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 š¤.
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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Jason, I would like to learn your fiddle solo for, Iām so Lonesome I Could Cry. Would like music notes along with video.
Hi Bill, thanks for reaching out and making this inquiry š 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 š¶
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
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
Wondering what your subscription is and where should I start. Have had maybe 7 lessons when I go to Florida but would like to do more.
Lou
Please reply. Tell me how to advance to the next lesson!!!!
Can you go back to main page for lessons and click a new one from the drop down menus?
You can find the next lesson in the drop down window, just remember what lesson you were on before hand! Let us know if you are still having trouble!!
Thanks, not sure even what this originally meant, but the navigation is pretty easy now that I’ve looked around more.
Good to hear! Happy fiddling!
I can not get my computer to advance to the next lesson.
When I complete one lesson, how do I advance to the next lesson?
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.
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.
No time is wasted if you’re playing, paying attention and finding some joy in the process…