Learn to Play the Violin – Some of the Things You Need to Know
Playing the violin can be a great experience, but if your not taught properly it is not very easy to learn. You must learn the sound of the notes, how to hold the violin, and how to use the strings to finger your notes.
An important thing to remember is how to hold the violin. If this is not learned correctly, playing can be very uncomfortable. The left arm goes under the body of the violin and then around the neck portion, so that the fingers and hands can touch the strings. The chin must rest over by the left shoulder. The right arm is then over the body of the violin in order to pluck the strings.
Once holding the violin is accomplished, the violinist must practice and learn exactly where the notes are on the fingerboard. Playing a violin is not like playing a guitar, it does not have frets. There are four main positions on a violin. Farthest away from the face is the first position and have low-pitched notes and sounds. Further up the neck of the violin is the fourth position, which has the highest notes. The strings go from lowest to highest, G, D, A, E. Violinists can change the tone of the notes by applying pressure on the strings. They can also play open strings without pressing on them.
Violinists can play long steady sounds by dragging the bow across the strings they want to play. They can also play what is called pizzicato, which is played by plucking the strings with the right hand and fingers.
Violins are however one of the most rewarding instruments to play once learned. If you think you have what it takes then I highly suggest taking the challenge of learning to play.
Dennis R. Ward
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February 1st, 2010 at 2:55 am
Is it ok/possible to learn to play the violin with an electric instrument?
I always wanted to learn the violin, but as I have always had flatmates, I postponed again and again for fear of boring them with hours of practice. Now I heard about electric violins, which can be played silently (with headphones) and it looks just perfect for me, can anyone advise me if it is possible to use an electric violin as a real beginner (or if it may make things even tougher than learning the violin!).
February 1st, 2010 at 7:57 am
why not get an electric violin yes its true they have inented them aswell
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February 1st, 2010 at 7:59 am
it won’t sound the same as an acoustic one, and can cost more. but i do suggest you get a proper teacher,i would also say that although there are teachers how will kill me for this i got to my grade 8 with barely no practice and got distinction, so i don’t think practice is completely necessary any way
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February 1st, 2010 at 8:01 am
There is an completely different sound on the electric than on the acoustic.
Of course it’s smart with the headphones, but unless you want to go professional, you don’t have to practice everyday!
Also, electric would cost you more.
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Playing cello for 9 years
February 1st, 2010 at 8:03 am
In part it depends on what your goals are in learning the violin. An electric violin doesn’t sound the same as a traditional violin, so you may not be able to judge your progress with it as well. Also, you cannot play an electric violin in an orchestra, a string quartet, etc. Still, practicing on an electric violin could still help you improve your skills.
My advice (as a long time amateur violinist) is to buy a traditional violin and find a time to practice when it won’t bother your flatmates. And don’t believe what those guys said about not having to practice. It is important if you want to play well.
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Years of playing the violin.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:05 am
I am in the same situation as you beacuse I do not want to disturb the neighbours.I could not afford an electric violin so I bought an acoustic violin and I have put a mute on the bridge.That cuts the volume by about half.There are various types of mute.Go to a violin shop and ask them to demonstrate for you to see if it reduces the volume enough for you.I use the big metal mute that sits on top of the bridge.When your flat mates are out you can just remove the mute and practise without it.Also, get a teacher to get you started on how to play..
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