This book is written to accomplish three purposes: (1) to teach music theory and scales as applied to fiddle tunes in the American and Celtic traditions; (2) to teach fiddle improvisation; and (3) to present additional material to help the fiddler who wants to play in other popular styles. Addresses major, minor and blues scales, diminished chords and more. Useful to any instrumentalist, this is not just another collection of licks, nor is it a book of transcriptions. This book teaches the theoretical framework of fiddle tunes and of fiddle soloing; the scales and arpeggios that fiddlers actually use, whether they know it or not. If you improvise or play variations on tunes now, this book will help you understand what works and why.
For more than a century, violinists have played jazz, swing, blues and similar improvisational styles. With its rich tone, considerable range, and bowed rhythms and phrasing, the violin offers a unique opportunity for a creative and personal statement as a musician. This book presents a broad sampling of the styles of major jazz violinists, from blues to bebop, from jug band to jazzgrass, from big-band swing to Texas swing. Tunes represent the styles of Stéphane Grappelli, Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Eddie South, Mark O'Connor, Benny Thomasson, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Darol Anger. Helpful jazz theory sections with exercises alternate with tunes that show how the theory works in practice. This book has two objectives; first, to present a broad, roughly chronological sampling of major jazz violinists and the styles associated with them, and secondly, to introduce the basics of jazz theory as applied to the violin. Whether consciously or intuitively, through critical listening or by practicing jazz patterns and exercises, the more knowledge of jazz you acquire, the better you will be able to think about the content of your playing without being bound by technical and theoretical aspects. This anthology was written to help provide that foundation. Interspersed with pragmatic jazz theory lessons, you’ll find 28 original tunes in the style of various jazz violin luminaries. The book ends with an extensive discography of recommended jazz recordings with a violin focus. Mandolinists as well as other instrumentalists will find a wealth of useful information in this outstanding collection. Delightful broadcast-quality recordings of the repertoire are available online. Includes access to online audio. Wirtten for intermediate to advanced violinists.
Contains the most frequently used basic chords, and covers practically every fiddling situation. Major, minor, diminished, augmented, seventh, minor seventh, and sixth chords are shown in detail.
Destined to become a classic, this method provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces the concepts and techniques that yields solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations to the tunes and illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. To assist in the development of ensemble skills, chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing are included in this profusely- illustrated book. An online audio for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music and aids instruction. This book is beneficial for both fiddle students and classical Suzuki violin students. Includes access to online audio.
(Book). The Fiddle Handbook is a treasure trove of information spanning the whole range of fiddle playing. It looks in detail at the most commonly played styles among today's fiddlers. From America, there's old time, bluegrass, Cajun, Western swing, country, blues, rock, klezmer, and jazz, while from the British Isles there's Irish, Scottish, and English. There is also a quick romp through Eastern Europe and beyond, from the spike fiddles of Africa and Asia to the Chinese Erhu, the fabulous Indian Sarangi, and the mysterious Norwegian Hardingfele. A wealth of musical audio examples ornaments, bowing patterns, scales, modes, exercises and complete tunes are included to give you a taste of each style. And finally, the book answers once and for all the hoary old question, "What's the difference between a fiddle and a violin?" The answer, of course, is that fiddle players have more fun....
This book presents standard fiddle tunes in basic form, then shows you how, on a phrase-by-phrase basis, the tunes can become vehicles for your own improvisations. It is designed to open the door to creating spontaneous variations, or improvisations, based on the melodic structure unique to each tune. Each tune in the book is presented first in its basic form, then with four variations. the variations are printed directly beneath the melody with the corresponding measures aligned, so that you can easily compare them to the original melody and to each other. the accompanying CD features mandolin and rhythm guitar on separate channels, so you can turn off the lead and play along with the rhythm, or vice versa. Intermediate in difficulty.
Basic Fiddlers Philharmonic: Old-Time Fiddle Tunes is absolutely perfect for introducing fiddling to your youngest string players. Eleven tunes from the old-time American fiddling tradition are presented first in a simplified, "basic" version of the tune printed with note names in the note heads. Following the Philharmonic format, the tune is then presented in an "advanced," but still accessible version of the tune. Several options for simple back-ups and very basic improvisation tips are provided for each instrument. Basic Fiddlers Philharmonic keeps each version on its own staff to avoid confusing young readers and lyrics are included where applicable. The accompaniment CD features recordings of both versions as well as a back-up track for play-along at home or in class.
