Here’s a simple variation on a basic scale which allows you to practice three note patterns in fun new ways.
Now let’s learn how to do it.
First, simply warm up with a D major scale.
D0-1-2-3-A0-1-2-3
For this lesson, I suggest using the following variations:
Triplets
Hoedown
Here is how you play the jig scale:
D0-1-2 3-A0-1 2-3-E0 A3-2-1 0-D3-2 1-0-1
The first 8 notes are like the standard scale. Then we go up to open E and turn around. When we get to the bottom, we simply add a D1 before starting the scale again.
Cool, now let’s loop it a few times together.
You may be wondering, “This triplet scale is pretty much a normal scale with two extra notes. Is really worth it to make a whole fiddle lesson on this unimpressive scale?”
This triplet scale will make it easier to practice 3-note patterns in fun new ways. because the whole scale is eighteen notes long. Usually a typical scale is sixteen notes (up and down) which is good for practicing two, four and eight note patterns. The triplet scale is 18 notes long which means that three note patterns will fit more nicely into it.
Examples:
Rhythms
For the following patterns, split the rhythm across three scale steps
Hoedown
Reverse hoedown
Short-long-short
Triplets!
It is, after all, the triplet scale
Slur patterns
Slur three
Slur two-separate one
Separate one-slur two
Slur six
Accenting
Jig accent
Here’s an alternate way to do the jig scale:
D0-1-2 3-A0-1 2-3-E0 A3-2-1 0-D3-2 1-0-GH3
To do this, you will need to have learned and practiced raised third position.
If you’ve learned and practiced fourth finger, then you can play A4 instead of open E string at the top. {demo}
Knowing this means you can easily play the triplet scale with A major.
Once you get the idea, I encourage you to practice the triplet scale with any 8-note scale you’ve been learning: dorian, klezmer, etc.
Nice. Now go fiddle with it.
Trial users can view this lesson page for free for one week. Have fun!
Practice Toolkit
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Here's a newer version of the Notefinder which is based on sheet music.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.
Notefinder table
Here's he original table version of the Notefinder. Sometimes people learn in different ways...
Sawmill tuning Notefinder
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.
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.
Always return to a good sound, even if it means playing quarter notes on the D string. You can do this! You just have to remember to pause on practicing the challenging thing and just get a good sound on single notes.
Why do this? Because it will bring you deep joy. And it will build your confidence which will inspire further practice.
Here are a few technical reminders to remember as you practice.
Posture reminders
Curve left-hand and right-hand fingers.
Bend right thumb.
Bend right arm and wrist.
Use minimal energy.
Left-hand fingers land on tips, not pads. This makes for more precise playing.
Bowing tips
Take time to focus on bowing during each practice session.
Get the best possible sound on single notes using long bows, throwaway bow, rhythms. Even just a few minutes of this will drastically improve your sound.
Use less bow.
This is a rule of thumb for fiddle tunes, especially for when things are difficult.
Continue to practice long bows. This will improve your overall sound.
Play in the middle of the bow. This is the sweet spot.
Use no extra energy or force for double stops.
It's more a matter of getting the bow perfectly balanced between the two strings.
Again, playing with less bow will help with this.
Left-hand fingering tips
Keep fingers down when possible.
For example, if you are rapidly playing D1-2, it is easier if you keep D1 down while fingering D2.
Practice this on scales.
Practice Little Lift
Don't lift left-hand fingers too high. Let them just hover above the string.
This allows you to play faster, better in tune and with more ease.
If you notice you are tense and not breathing evenly, simply pause on what you're currently practicing and play a single note. Make it sound nice. See if your body is more relaxed now.
If you can play a single note with a relaxed body, then try more complex things: 2-note intervals, scales, simple tune phrases, whole tunes.
Keep returning to single notes as a way to center yourself, relax and enjoy the process.
Little pauses
If you find that sound is sloppy, try adding a little pause in between the notes. This gives your fingers time to find the next note. This is especially helpful with string crossing.
