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Violin Tips for Beginners

Stephen Rampur
Those searching for violin tips for beginners need to keep in mind that learning this instrument requires true dedication and most importantly, sufficient amount of daily practice.
The violin is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after musical instruments. Mastering this instrument is the toughest. But if you have a very strong determination for learning, you can really go a long way in playing like a professional musician.
There are many cases, when a person starts of with taking violin lessons; and due to inconsistency, difficulty in learning, and low amount of enthusiasm, they choose not to learn further. Nevertheless, if you follow some easy violin tips, you can certainly build a good foundation which would help you in advancing all aspects of the violin.

Beginner Violin Tips and Considerations

If you want to learn the basic level of playing the violin, the first thing to consider is to never give up. Generally, beginners give up due to one reason, which is the fret-less characteristic of this instrument. Due to the frets being absent on the fingerboard, it is very difficult for a starter to find correct positions for getting the right sound.

Buying a Violin

For getting used to a fine tone, it is essential that you purchase a good quality violin. If you are not sure about you going to the musical instrument shop and buying it yourself, take along a professional.
Even if an expert is not available, you do not need to worry, as buying a violin is not that difficult. Simply make sure that you choose the least expensive model, but one which has a good tone. You can also take help from the shop assistant, for getting the appropriate beginner piece.

Parts of the Violin and Bow

Let's now know the basic parts of the violin.
  • The scroll is the uppermost part of the instrument, kind of a curved decorative piece.
  • Bridge is the part across which the four strings pass over.
  • The fingerboard is the neck of the violin on which you position your fingertips for notations.
  • F Holes are the F/S-shaped gaps on the violin's hollow body.
  • Tuning pegs are right below the scroll, which can be used to tune the instrument.
  • Fine tuners are used to tune the violin to an extra pitch.
  • Chin rest is the piece where you place your chin comfortably, located at the lower left side of the instrument.
  • Without the bow, the violin cannot be played.
  • The bow is the accessory that is used to slide up and down the strings for producing the appropriate sound.
  • It mainly consists of the stick, and the hair which touches the strings while playing.

Tuning a Violin

The violin has to be tuned to the 'G', 'D', 'A', and 'E' standard notes; with 'G' note for the thickest string, 'D' for the less thicker, 'A' for the thinner string, and finally 'E' for the thinnest one.
Remember to do the tuning carefully, as you may over-tighten a string and break it. You can even use online tuners for the tuning purpose.

Playing the Violin

For playing the violin, simply hold the neck in the left hand and place the instrument at the side of the chin on the chin rest.
Take the bow in the right hand and slide it on the stings, while pressing the appropriate positions on the fingerboard. Remember, you would need constant practice on the violin to get familiarized with notations on the fingerboard. Since there are no frets, unlike on the guitar, it is really difficult for beginners to learn precise points on the fingerboard.
After you practice efficiently and get to know most aspects of the acoustic violin, you may even choose to purchase the electric violin. With some electric violin tips, you can learn much about different sounds and effects which can be produced from these violins.