Fiddle Tab Makes Learning Fiddle Fast and Easy
Learning fiddle tab is so intuitive and so easy that a student picks it up in five minutes. This is true even for five-year-olds.
Before starting this examination of fiddle tab, let's recall what standard musical notation looks like. The familiar dot-shaped notes on or between the five lines of the musical staff represent exact pitches of musical notes.
The dots show the pitch. Sharp signs or flat signs influence that pitch. The clef sign also has an effect.
Rhythm symbols that show the relative duration of the notes. Other musical terminology, often Italian, indicates the speed of the rhythm. Allegro con brio, for example, means "lively, with enthusiasm."
Musical notation tells nothing about how to play the music on any given musical instrument. It is designed to be used with all musical instruments.
Fiddle tab, on the other hand, tells exactly what string to play and what finger to use. It's intuitive and easy to learn.
But it shows the information in a form that only fiddle players can use. It is not universal. Because it is so focused, it is simpler.
On the fiddle tab staff each space represents a string. The top space represents the E-string, the next one, the A-string--and so on.
If you placed a violin with its side, with the neck extending to the left of the body, you would see the strings in exactly the same relationship. If you then reached both hands to pick up the violin, with your left hand under the neck, you would be in position to finger the strings the normal way.
Numbers indicate what finger to use. The number 1 is the first finger--the pointing finger, 2 is the middle finger, 3 the ring finger and 4 the pinkie. An 0 means use no finger. Leave the string open.
The only question remaining is placement of the fingers. We begin with the placement that would produce a major scale. This is the most common tradition in Western music. It's common to all the melody instruments that I'm aware of, and to singing as well.
All music teachers start with this basic instruction: the do-re-mi of music. These first three notes of the scale are found in countless children's songs: Are You Sleeping, Brother John?, Row, Row, Row your Boat, and, in the inverse order, Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, London Bridge is Falling Down, Three Blind Mice.
That sound, and the relationship of the fingers that produce that sound, underlies fiddle tablature, as I teach it. Any variation from that finger placement will be indicated by the letter L or H. These letters guide the student to place the finger lower or higher than usual.
Rhythm indication in fiddle tab is similar to musical notation, but simplified.
A simple line under a number is called a stem, just as in music notation. It shows the same thing, one beat of rhythm. Two numbers that have stems joined by another line (called a "beam" in music notation) would be played in one beat.
The development of standard musical notation in Western music was a great achievement. It led to the richly complex beauty, power and mystery of great music.
Learning this system is no easy matter. In Europe, a hundred years ago, kids going into music learned to sing solfeggio. This meant translating musical notation into do-re-mi.
In current practice, the difficulty of learning to read music is overcome by fingering notation over the particular note. This is true for keyboard, violin, or brass and woodwinds. Numbers over certain notes aid the student in translating the symbolism of the notational pitch into physical actions.
The American Suzuki Method also uses finger notations over every note. The student has only to intuit when to change string. In this respect it differs not at all from classical violin pedagogy.
In the method that I use, which we may call the fiddle tab method, I show the student tab charts after the initial stage of learning to play a scale. I have never had a student fail to learn how to read tab charts in one lesson. It is intuitive, natural and easy.
Making the transition to reading music later has, likewise, been no great challenge. Some students simply begin Suzuki Violin Book One, with its easy pieces. They quickly learn to read.
Students who prefer fiddling can use Beginning Old-Time Fiddle, by Alan Kaufman. It has both fiddle tab and musical notation. It's an excellent resource for the transition from tab to music notation.
For more information about learning how to play fiddle using tab charts, set your web browser to Learn to Play Fiddle. You will find an abundance of information and free tab charts.
Elan Chalford, Fiddle Coach
Learn to Play Fiddle without Reading Music
http://fiddleguru.com
 Google News Updated : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:08:49 GMT Health Highlights: Sept. 6, 2008 - Washington Post
Washington Post - On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 ... Salmonellosis outbreak prompts sprout recall Salmonella outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:31:13 GMT Cage's 'Bangkok' tops worst movie weekend since 2001 - USA Today
USA Today - By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY After a record $4.2 billion in movie ticket sales this summer, the industry suffered its worst weekend in seven years, with the top movie at the box office doing less than $8 million. Video: 'Bangkok Dangerous' - Not a Safe Bet Fall box office off to slow start Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:23:28 GMT Prime Minister Chances Early Election in Canada - New York Times New York Times - By IAN AUSTEN OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper, putting aside the date he had set by law, formally propelled Canada into a federal election campaign on Sunday. Canadian PM calls October election With economy slow, Canada to hold early elections Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:06:35 GMT Patriots overcome injury to Brady, top Chiefs - Sports Network
Sports Network - Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Randy Moss had six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown as New England overcame an early injury to quarterback Tom Brady to escape Kansas City, 17-10, in the season-opener for both clubs at Gillette Stadium. Patriots QB Brady out of opener vs. Chiefs Cassel comes through for Patriots Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:15:11 GMT Populists Gain Seats in Election in Hong Kong - New York Times
New York Times - By KEITH BRADSHER HONG KONG - Chinese national pride after the Olympics and growing distress over inflation combined to produce a leftward shift in legislative elections here on Sunday. Hong Kong Democrats Retain Veto Bloc in Legislative Elections Key wins for Hong Kong opposition Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:32:36 GMT Falcons head coach: ‘Matt did a very good job’ - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Atlanta Journal Constitution - By CARROLL ROGERS Q. How did the third play - the touchdown from Matt Ryan to Michael Jenkins - develop? New Falcons head coach Mike Smith said of Matt Ryan, ‘It was a great way to see our rookie quarterback throw his first NFL pass. In-game analysis of the Lions' loss in Atlanta Lions' poor tackling about talent, not coaching Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:30:18 GMT Veteran Financiers to Head Fannie, Freddie - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Thomas Heath and Dina ElBoghdady The new chief executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have long histories in the financial services industry. Video: Feds Take Over Mortgage Giants FDIC to help small banks with Fannie, Freddie exposure Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:46:18 GMT Increase Online Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Author Interview with Ryan Thomson, seacoast New Hampshire resident, and... Read More A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More This article discusses 8 vital things to remember as improvisers... Read More We All Have a Favorite Piece of Music that Moves... Read More Learning to fiddle the Orange Blossom Special is not easy,... Read More Meet the 12 Major Notes:1. C (do)2. C# - Db... Read More Here's a method I use that works. First, sit down... Read More I am not sure if anyone has been watching out... Read More Piano lessons are a great activity for children. They encourage... Read More Some people think composing is this miraculous thing that only... Read More Do you remember finger-painting as a child? How fun it... Read More Some of you may remember a book titled "Drawing on... Read More Every once in a while a band comes along that... Read More This article takes a look at musicians' injuries. For an... Read More This article gives the essential basics for how to play... Read More I have always believed that success, in practically any subject... Read More How do you begin a piece of music? That's a... Read More All through the age's music and spirituality as served hand... Read More Do you remember the movie, Groundhog Day? In this wonderful... Read More OK, so I lied about the fun part.Maybe piano playing... Read More His lockjaw delivery makes him look as gangsta as Marlon... Read More Cultures around the world since the beginning of time have... Read More Let's face it, the wildfire spread of web-based portals designed... Read More Once you know what your Unique Selling Proposition is as... Read More New bands looking to book gigs and establish contacts often... Read More
Adsense
websites
Making Music As A Lefty
The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)
Musical Improvisation Basics - 8 Vital Things To Remember
Music and Healing: The Power of Meaningful Words and Music
Learn to Fiddle the Orange Blossom Special, the Most Popular Fiddle Tune in the World
Play The Piano Like A Pro
How to Create an Original Melody
RAP Music and Brain Washing Issues
Piano Lessons - Group or Private?
How to Compose Your Own Music Using 8-bar Phrases
The Joy of Spontaneous Expression
Piano on the Right-Side of the Brain
Review: Audioslave - Out of Exile
Musicians Injuries: OUCH, It Hurts When I Play (But Please Dont Tell Me To Stop!)
How To Play The Violin
The Art Of Practicing - How To See Real Results
Piano Music - How to Begin and End a Piece
Music, the Spiritual Connection
What is Piano GHD Syndrome?
Piano Playing For Adults: More Fun Than Sex And Not Nearly As Dangerous!
50 Cent G Unit
Music: Uniting Nations, Dividing Generations
Independent Music Promotion on the Web: 3 Steps to Success
Discover The Perfect Place To Perform
Does Your Band Need a Manager?
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
The Downfall Of The #1 Southern Gospel Station
Back in the 90's we had a local Southern Gospel... Read More
Review: The Dissociatives - Self Titled
In 1994 Daniel Johns and his group Silverchair were catapulted... Read More
Piano Lessons - Group or Private?
Piano lessons are a great activity for children. They encourage... Read More
Play Too Loud And Well Cut The Power!
"Turn it down!"How often have you heard that command in... Read More
How to Be in the Moment when Playing Piano
Your best music will always come when you are in... Read More
Beginners Guide to Music File Formats
Are you confused by the various types of music file... Read More
Music Business Contacts: Music Business Registry connects artists, managers, publishers, producers &
"The difference between success and failure is information," notes Ritch... Read More
A Brief History Of Gibson Guitars
Gibson guitars have been around forever. It's funny, but although... Read More
Getting Rhythm - Three Tips for Guitar Beginners
If you are just starting out learning guitar one of... Read More
RIAA Files Second Wave of Lawsuits
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has launched a... Read More
Guide to Finding Music Online
Are you frustrated because finding your favorite songs on the... Read More
A Dying Cat And A Nylon String Guitar
"Music isn't just learning notes and playing them, you learn... Read More
Jazzing Up Your Leadership Style
I met New York jazzman Tim Armacost in college almost... Read More
Avoiding Injuries When Playing Guitar
To avoid any sort of injuries when playing guitar a... Read More
Five Great Practice Ideas I Learned From My Piano Students!
Sometimes the teacher learns more from the student than the... Read More
Guitar Facts: A Glossary of Terms
It is said that the forerunner of the guitar, the... Read More
Managing Your Time, when Music isnt Your Day Job
You CAN do everything.Repeat.You CAN do everything. What you cannot... Read More
Review: The Bled - Pass the Flask
Released in 2003, Pass the Flask turned this little quintet... Read More
How To Play The Violin
This article gives the essential basics for how to play... Read More
Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier
Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some... Read More
Review: Coheed and Cambria - Second Stage Turbine Blade
Ever wonder what would happen if you mixed the progressive... Read More
Celtic Music: The Japanese Connection
My friend, guitarist Brian Hughes, toured with the Chieftain's in... Read More
How To Find The Right Guitar Teacher
Finding a good teacher is not always easy, at any... Read More
If Setting The Gain Correctly is So Important, Why Dont Mic Preamplifiers Have Meters?
When you first learn how to use a mixing console,... Read More
Eminem: A Social Commentator
In an interview given to Musik Magazine in 2000, Eminem... Read More
Music & MP3 |