Free Video Violin Lesson 1
Posted by Thom on Jan 13, 2008 in All, Lessons • 21 comments
Hello and welcome to Stringsavvy.com Free Video Violin Lesson #1! My name is Thom and I will be guiding you along! In this first part we will be going over the very basics. I am assuming, whether or not it applies to you, that you know nothing and this is your very first instrument. That being said, lets first take a quick look at the violin and its parts, as well as a little bit of how it works.
Body
The main piece is called the body, and although ever little nook of this instrument effects the sound, this is where a large part of it is.
Neck
The thin long line here is called the neck, and is where your left hand will be while the fingers are placed on what is very cleverly named: “The fingerboard”. The part on top, the scroll, is often shaped in different ways for various styles of flair while holding the peg box
Peg Box
The pegbox holds all of our major tuning pegs for each of the strings, which I will touch on more later. Moving down the strings we get to the bridge. This small wooden piece not only elevates the strings keeping them from staying flat on the fingerboard, but also transfers vibrations from the strings down on top of the body, through a small wood piece inside the violin known called the soundpost, which in turn carries those vibrations to the back piece of the body, bouncing back out through the F holes.
These little things on the tail piece by the bridge are called the fine tuners and are used for making small adjustments when tuning. Often times beginner instruments will have fine tuners on all four strings while more advanced have just one on the high E string, or none at all.
This big black hunk on the violin is called the chin rest, and for a very good reason! Your chin goes on it! Many people make an interesting habit of resting their cheek on the chinrest, which is not only unattractive, but can be bad for your neck!
Care and Storage
The violin is made of wood, which means that it is susceptible to moisture and humidity. Too humid and will harm varnish and may even come apart, too dry and it may crack. It is important to never leave your instrument to harsh conditions. Never leave your violin in the car to be exposed to intense cold/heat. If you do have an ice-cold instrument, let it warm up before playing- as the vibrations in the stiff instrument may also cause a crack. Also, never set the instrument (even in its case) next to a heat/air vent or a window. In the case of extreme conditions, you should always have a humidifier to keep your instrument from cracking!
The Bridge
Take care of your bridge, and don’t put any unnecessary pressure on it. When tuned, each of these strings will put anywhere fro 17 to 20 lbs of tension on the bridge. Collectively, that means this little piece of wood is carrying 80 lbs of tension, and that’s not even when you’re playing it! Never set your instrument upside-down or set things on top of it. Also- while stored in its case, remember that keeping it upside down- means that it IS resting on the bridge. Always store your instrument sideways, upright, or on its back.
Pegs
The pegs aren’t to be messed with unless you have an idea of what you’re doing with them. If set too tight the string can and WILL snap, and you will have to shell out the money for a new string.
Counting
Counting is what keeps everything together, and so it is very important to learn how to clap and count on beat. If you have ever tapped your foot to the beat of a song, that is what the basic beat or tempo is. Most songs you hear on the radio are counted in “4” which means they play “1, 2, 3 ,4”
I highly recommend getting a metronome, my favorite being the Korg MA-30 because of all the subdivisions of rhythm it can do at such an inexpensive price. If not you can always play to a free metronome online.
Practice
Your assignment this week is learn your parts of your instrument and be able to consistently clap and count a steady beat. Just put on a song or go to onlinemetronome.com to have a beat to play along with. Make sure that when you clap and count, that you are completely lined up with the music, almost like an “Audio eclipse.”
Have fun and I’ll see you next week when we begin playing!
Pick up a Korg MA-30 Metronome
Pick up Essential Elements 2000
Hello your videos have inspired me a lot, a saved money to buy my violin but now i dont have to a pay a tutor ehheh. I already bought the book you recomended, it will arrive soon from abroad. I tuned and learn the notes, already practice with posture ( my soulder moves a lot, big mistake, cant correct it)
and my right thumb hurts like hell. I cant buy a Dont fret indicator here in Portugal, it doesnt exist, and the stores online ask me 4dollars for one but 16dollars for shippment. i m so sad, some notes i cant find perfectly, what do you sugest i do? is there a way to mark these without that dont fret thing?
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Thom reply on March 10, 2008:
Hello Vanessa,
When I was working at a music store in high school, I would often tune people’s instruments and add finger tape/markings to violins for no charge. Try visiting some local stores or violin teachers and asking if they could mark the fingerings for you.
I will be doing a video soon on tuning and setting up a Don’t Fret. I know that the Don’t Fret has certain measurements required, so I will include this as well as an approximation for those without a finger indicator.
What do you mean by your shoulder moves a lot? I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying there.
You say that your right thumb (bowing hand) hurts, is this when you are playing with the bow? It could be possible that you are gripping too hard.
Having stiff fingers, hands, and arms was a problem I had for a long time. I had to really take my time make sure I wasn’t squeezing my muscles, but just staying relaxed.
I hope that helps!
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Vanessa reply on March 17, 2008:
yeah thats it… my shoulder starts to move up i m turning in to a turtle… lol, thanks. i m following your lessons
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Maddy reply on October 4, 2008:
I would personally recomend going getting a cheap little tuner. my brother uses one for guitar. it helps him alot. hope this also helps!
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Hey there, nice videos and thanks for sharing. Hey, I’m just curios to know since I’m 25 years old.. It’s late for me to start to learn violin? Well, i need something that portable and i guess flute and violin are the answer. I only have basic in Piano which I could use the theory and apply it to violin (i guess). Any comment on that? Thanks
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Thom reply on March 16, 2008:
Hey Steward, it is never too late to begin learning an instrument. Now will you become an Itzhak Perlman? Probably not, but with work you could definitely become very good!
The only thing thats different between a child and adult, is a child tends to just do what they’re told without expecting much, vs. us adults who want everything in a snap. We get used to our drive-thru and instant coffee, macaroni, etc. and forget that sometimes things take time.
To me playing the violin is extremely fulfilling, and I feel at my happiest when I’m creating sound out of the instrument. For a few years out of high school it turned into a hobby, playing in orchestras, ensembles, and a few bands while now I am pursuing musical studies as a career. As a social thing its great for playing along with friends, and I can always bust it out at a party!
To recapitulate: It is never too late to begin something that you might be using the rest of your life!
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hey there, your videos have been an inspiration for me and made me really want to start learning on how to play the violin. Now, i want to know which size do i have to buy ? im 16 yrs old and i`ve never played the violin or any other instrument before. i know they come in different sizes i just dont know which one is more suitable for me!
thanks alot!..
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Thom reply on June 29, 2008:
Hello Seba! Glad to hear it! Generally at 16 most people have moved up to a full size(4/4), though if you are shorter you may be at a 3/4. The best way to find out would be to visit a local music shop that sells violins and ask to be sized. They usually will have either violins for you to hold or a move-able measuring scale.
Glad to see you are pursuing the violin, if you have questions on the videos, never be afraid to ask!
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hey again,
will i be able to actually really play the violin after all these lessons and videos as its very expensive to take lessons here in kuwait, and also very hard to find a teacher to teach you. also violins and musical instruments here are quite expensive so i dont want to buy it and then never get to know how to play it well.
thanks!..
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Thom reply on June 30, 2008:
Hey Seba,
While it is my aim to give you the tools to be able to learn and understand violin without having the one on one time teacher- nothing can truly replace having that private teacher.
That aside, you can still learn a lot from this site- and I am always updating, adding lessons, and responding to questions and comments - so you won’t be left in the dark!
I hope you decide to pick up and stick with it!
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hi,
was just wondering if it’s too late to start off learning violin at the age of 26? and …how long will i take to complete the beginner stage and so on..
thankss
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Thom reply on July 13, 2008:
Hello Skuo,
It is never too late to begin learning an hobby, instrument, or anything! As long as you have the passion to work at it- you can achieve anything at any age! These lessons are designed to be as direct and easy as possible for self study, the rate of progress is entirely up to you (though later as more concepts are introduced- the expectation within the lesson will pick up just a tad).
I am adding new lessons all the time and hope to continue to cover quite a bit of material.
Comments are open on every page- so you if you ever have a question or comment don’t be afraid to ask! I will do my best to answer all questions!
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judy reply on October 12, 2008:
Adults who fear that they are “starting too late” may wish to read John Holt’s “Never Too Late”. ( Holt was an educator best known for “Why Children Fail”), He describes how he took up the cello in his 40s, and was able to reach a level of playing in small groups and even community orchestras. His slim book is full of excellent practice tips for any aspiring musician, and evidences a deep love of music. Read how he analyzes different works, from swing to classical — and glimpse what a wide world awaits us. Among my favorite tips: 1) Find the notes; 2) Figure out the best fingering; 3) Learn how to play them more or less in tune; 4) Work out the rhythm. //Happy learning to all.
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Hey!
i am thirteen years old and i have been playing the violin for 9 years and i was wondering how long you have been playing. I was also wondering what the black band around your violin is. Is it a pickup?
Also, i was just going to let you know that i learn by suzuki violin lessons in a city near my home. I think it is cool that you are teaching people violin. In what lesson do you start using the bow, learn real songs, start vibrato, dynamics ,and other rhythms? And when are you going to teach people to tune their instruments using the fine tuners?
Thanks!
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Thom reply on October 27, 2008:
Hello Maddy!
Glad you like the site!
The black band around my violin is in fact a pickup. It is called The Band and actually works fantastically well. It velcros itself around the instrument and can be easily removed. Delivers a clean sound and I have never had it feedback on me. On the lesson index page you will see that bowing practice begins on Lesson 4.
Concepts such as vibrato, dynamics, and rhythms are a little bit more advanced, and these starting lessons focus on the beginning basics. As the site progresses to higher levels I’m sure I will be making videos on those.
I also am currently planning a video showing both how to string and tune a violin.
Hope that answers your questions Maddy! Talk to you soon!
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Thom,
Really enjoy your videos and have watched almost all of them, couldn’t access one of them. Anyway, looking on eBay for a violin…could you look at this write-up and tell me if you can actually get a decent violin for $50.
Thanks,
John
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Thom reply on October 7, 2008:
It might perhaps be a little of an up sell saying “Berkeley” recommended, but yes you can (not to say you always will) get lucky with a cheaper instrument. One of my students found a violin for $12 that was comparable to a $200 MSRP.
My director in high school also purchased one for $112 for the orchestra as a loaner that far surpassed brand new $300 beginner violins. Good luck!
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Hi Thom,
I hope everyone is ok. I just found this website and this is my first visit!
I don’t know who exactly the administrator is but my guess is Thom!
I just want to ask you one thing. I am 21 and play the piano since 14. Recently I decided to give myself a changing break and bought a lovely violin! I can’t stop loving it it’s so pretty!
Anyway, I started by myself and it’s been 4 days since I have it and am trying to find out about it. I’m going to get a teacher next week but honestly, I’m getting devastated that I’m not so talented for the violin
I LOVE TO LEARN TO PLAY IT THOUGH!
I’m a full time student and only have one month to work with a teacher before the classes start again (also not a music student!). Is there any chance for me? I mean am I too old to start? and does being a full time student make it worse? I heard someone said you have to be a kid to start and practice at least 3 hours a day!
How bad do you think my conditions are? Is there any hope to learn something?
PLEASE BE HONEST! All I need right is someone to give me a technical response!
Thanks so much! I’m waiting for your answer!
Loads of good wishes!
Jasmine
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Thom reply on October 23, 2008:
Hey Jasmine!
This is a very common question, and the answer is that is never too late to learn! Just keep in mind that it will take work! Realistically speaking, can you expect to be an expert in a matter of weeks? The answer is no. Over the course of a few years of playing violin can you can a decent grip on it? Yes!
You don’t have to be a 3 year old prodigy- I started myself when I was 9 and didn’t really get serious about it until a few years later. Best of luck!
-Thom
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ai salamat! nakita ko rin tong website na to.. it will be really a big help for beginner like me.. may lesson ba sa mga video nyo kung anu yung specific na pipindutin sa fingerboard sa specific na note like, C., anu i peperess ko., ganun..
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Hi, I just wanted to say thanks. I started playing the violin many years ago but stopped not long after when my teacher left and I couldn’t find another one that I liked. I got the bug to play violin again after seeing Andre Rieu play here in Australia. Like many others I haven’t got the time to have lessons as I am a full time student. I just stumbled onto this site and I am really glad I did. It exactly what I needed to get started again. So thankyou very much!!!!
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