Beginner Violinist

[Nixie]

I recently purchased a violin and I am planning on teaching myself. I'm very good at doing such things, and I know a lot of people will suggest that I get a teacher but I just don't have the expenses.

So I am wondering if any fellow violinists would like to give me some pointers on playing in the beginning? I know I have to place a lot of rosin on my bow, but I think I need a little bit of advice on proper bowing technique so I can get a great tone. I am having trouble playing on only one string at a time (G and D in particular), so maybe if you have any advice on that too?

I really appreciate it!

[TheBabyEater]

I can't give too much advice, since I haven’t played my violin in a few years (I've been focusing on guitar lately)

But, what I can say, is that if you plan on teaching yourself, I suggest at least looking up some YouTube videos on proper technique when it comes to holding the violin, and the bow. I see people playing and holding it wrong all the time, and while it seems silly to fret over just holding it right... Well, it will affect you later on when you're playing faster and more complicated pieces. You can also find this stuff in books for beginners that have little step by step instructions on proper playing and such. For one, you'll often see a lot of people, even professionals, hold the neck with the thumb way over the edge of it. I've always learned that although it's somewhat common for people to be doing this wrong, it is still none the less wrong. The thumb should be on the end, not over it. It's rather hard to explain over type... But if you stumble upon a video or book that actually goes into detail about how to hold the neck and stuff, there’s a good chance it's right.

As for playing one string at a time, I think that simply comes with practice. Try tilting the bow different ways, very slowly, until you get it right. Then take off the bow, and try again. Then again. It takes awhile sometimes, but it's obviously possible Something my last guitar teacher ended up telling me once every class, was simply "GO. SLOW." Because I always tried to play the song up to tempo before I was ready to.

So basically, the best advice anyone can ever give you, is to GO SLOW until you're sure you're ready to up the tempo!


And, just because I couldn't help it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUpggXGHYjk

I love that guy

[Boobies]

Don't put too much rosin on your bow or you'll ruin is, and it won't sound right. Also don't get yourself into bad habits or you'll find it hard to get our of it.
You should keep your wrist above your bow, and be able to support your violin between your chin or shoulder, NOT in you hand. Also, make sure your elbow of your left hand doesn't touch your wrist, and make sure your right arm doesn't move too much whilst bowing. Also make sure your posture is right (practice standing up) and your right foot should be slightly in front of your left. Also, watch youtube videos of people who look like they're doing it properly, and practice in front of a mirror to make sure you look like you're doing it right.
Also, don't collapse you're left wrist or you'll find it harder to play in tune.
Also, may I ask what you have with your violin?
And I'd also recommend going to only a few lessons, like once a month for a few months just so you know the basics.
And lastly, don't forget this is a hard instrument to learn so don't be deterred if something isn't going to plan.

[Mouse^^]

YouTube and a lot of hard work and patience is you friend!
I am personally a self taught (Fiddle) Violin player, and my friends tell me Im not completely useless! Which is a good start!
One really good useful tip (I found helpful) Was just studying loads of different violin players on YouTube, from all Genres, from folk to classical and Celtic
Mairead Nesbitt, who is a brilliant Celtic Fiddle player, who performed with Riverdance.
Jon Boden, is a brilliant Folk violin player, and plays with lots of different bands, mainly though, a big band called 'Bellowhead' and he has brilliant style of playing, though very original (I take a lot of my style from him) and also Sam Sweeney, who also plays with the band, he is only 21 but, has a completely original style already.
And David garrett, who is just plainly mind-blowing (The Worlds fastest violin player!)
And the main thing at the start of learning, is to really put some love and effort into learning, because if you don't have it at the beginning you won't ever have it.
Scales are the main thing at the beginning too, *Yawn* Although they are quite tediously boring, it will all be worth it to be able to hit those notes correctly.
But with all the technique'y stuff....go for whatever feels natural, because you don't want to end up feeling uncomfortable, because your playing will then suffer because you don't feel good, But DOO Make sure you are standing with your back straight...I made that mistake and I have awful shoulder and back problems because of it.
Also, keep a look out for books and DVDs off Ebay, because there can be a few really good bargains that really help.
But the most important thing is to have fun, and do your best :]
Good luck!

[Nixie]

Thanks, guys! I am definitely ambitious to do this and I am aware it will take a lot of time and practice--whether painstaking or tedious it may be. I've a beginner lesson book, violin websites bookmarked, YouTube on hand every time I practice.

@The Baby Eater, I also tend to want to take songs up to tempo! But I know how to take it slow Thanks for the reassurance and tips!

@Pi, What do I have with my violin? I'm assuming you mean "accessories," or something? I've got the case and bow (obviously), rosin, a chromatic tuner, and a cloth to wipe down the strings after I'm playing and whatnot. Does that answer your question?

@Mouse--Yay! I love to hear that I'm not the only ambitious, well... soon-to-be, violin player out there! Everything you said was greatly reassuring and much appreciated! I love watching musicians on YouTube. I'll definitely check out those bands/violinists you mentioned.

Thanks again, guys!

[Mouse^^]

Originally Posted by dreambound

@Pi, What do I have with my violin? I'm assuming you mean "accessories," or something? I've got the case and bow (obviously), rosin, a chromatic tuner, and a cloth to wipe down the strings after I'm playing and whatnot. Does that answer your question?
!

One thing that will help your posture, is to get A shoulder rest, they arn't expencive at all, but they are very valuable to your playing! :]

[Nixie]

Originally Posted by Mouse^^

One thing that will help your posture, is to get A shoulder rest, they arn't expencive at all, but they are very valuable to your playing! :]

Yeah, I forgot to mention I had that too! Haha. I remembered right after I posted and shut down my computer. But yes they are very effective!

[Mouse^^]

Well you're more prepared than I ever was! =D
You will be brilliant in a few weeks!