Overview

I’m going to show you some bowing techniques to make your jigs sound smoother and more musical.

In this lesson we’ll cover four main jig bowing patterns:

  • Separate bows with accent 
  • Slur Three 
  • Single One-Slur Two 
  • Slur Two-Single One

We’ll use a practice strategy called the “Learning Ladder” to help you master this and any other skill you want to learn.

Are you ready? Good, take out your fiddle and let’s get started…

{video}


Let’s Learn

Learning objective #1

We’re going to start very simply with single notes and gradually move on to more complex challenges. 

Single Notes 1️⃣

Next, {instruction}

Once it feels good with single reps, then Loop it. 

Scale

Then repeat this on a scale:

D0-1-2

Then loop it going up and down: 

Tune Chunk

Finally, let’s apply this to the first chunk of a tune called {tuneName}. 

For now, I’ll break the first quarter note into 2 eighth notes.

Subtitle: D2-2-2-2-1-0-D2-3-A0-1-2-3

Once you get that, then the A part, applying that part each time it happens.

FiddleHed Learning Ladder  

Let’s talk about the practice journey we just took. 

We started with single notes and gradually added complexity. 

  • Single notes
  • 3-note scales
  • 6-note scales
  • Tune chunks
  • Full tunes

The FiddleHed Learning Ladder™ is a super powerful practice strategy that you can use to learn any other skill: double stops, vibrato, or playing the fiddle blind-folded on one foot while eating a sandwich.

Learning objective #2

We’ll use the same Learning Ladder strategy to practice {Learning objective #2}

Single Notes 1️⃣

Next, {instruction}

Once it feels good with single reps, then Loop it 🔁

Scale 🪜

Then repeat this on a scale:

D0-1-2

Then loop it going up and down: 

Tune Chunk

Finally, let’s apply this to the second chunk of a tune called {tuneName}. 

Subtitle: D2-2-2-2-1-0-D2-3-A0-1-2-3

Once you get that, then do the whole A part, applying that part each time it happens.

Learning objective #3

We’ll use the same Learning Ladder strategy to practice {Learning objective #2}

Single Notes 1️⃣

Next, {instruction}

Once it feels good with single reps, then Loop it 🔁

Scale 🪜

Then repeat this on a scale:

D0-1-2

Then loop it going up and down: 

Tune Chunk

Finally, let’s apply this to the second chunk of a tune called {tuneName}. 

Subtitle: D2-2-2-2-1-0-D2-3-A0-1-2-3

Once you get that, then do the whole A part, applying that part each time it happens.

Learning objective #4

We’ll use the same Learning Ladder strategy to practice {Learning objective #2}

Single Notes 1️⃣

Next, {instruction}

Once it feels good with single reps, then Loop it 🔁

Scale 🪜

Then repeat this on a scale:

D0-1-2

Then loop it going up and down: 

Tune Chunk

Finally, let’s apply this to the second chunk of a tune called {tuneName}. 

Subtitle: D2-2-2-2-1-0-D2-3-A0-1-2-3

Once you get that, then do the whole A part, applying that part each time it happens.

Other tune examples

{video}

Sheet Music & Audio

Want to view sheet music?

Sign up for a Trial Subscription to get full access to the course for 14 days.  

Further

Metronome

Practice this skill/tune with a metronome. Start by setting it to 60 bpm. Once it flows at that tempo, gradually speed it up (find in the toolkit below).

Drone

Use a drone to make it more enjoyable and improve tuning along the way (also find in the toolkit below).

Other Songs

Use the learning strategies to practice other songs and skills. Experiment  and personalize it.

Use this beginner song to practice more advanced skills like double stops, vibrato, third position, etc. I call this the Easy Song, Skills Strong strategy.

Practice With Other Tunes/Related Tunes

  • {tune 1}

See more jigs here: Index

Questions for students

Questions can guide your practice and bring awareness to the process.

  • How can you apply this on other jigs you know?
  • What’s most challenging?
  • Can you think of ways to practice that?

Write down questions as you practice and wait for the answer to emerge.

 

Conclusion

Here’s a wrap-up for “How To Make Jigs Sound Musical On Fiddle”:

  • Mastering Jig Bowing Patterns: You’ve learned four key bowing patterns (Separate Bows with Accent, Slur Three, Single One-Slur Two, Slur Two-Single One) that will give your jigs a smoother, more musical feel.
  • Learning Ladder for Practice: Follow the FiddleHed Learning Ladder™, starting from single notes and working up to full tunes. This helps you build skills gradually and consistently.
  • Apply Your Patterns: Try these patterns in tunes like the Kerfunken Jig, Swallowtail Jig, and The Butterfly. Play around with different bowings until you find a pattern you can perform comfortably.
  • Keep Experimenting: Practice with a metronome or drone to improve timing and intonation. Over time, you’ll develop a bowing style that fits each tune perfectly.

Thanks for practicing and creating music! 🙏


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