What is the Difference
between Violin and Fiddle?

This question comparing violin and fiddle is the all-time winner of FAQ's for me.
When people hear my answer about the difference between the violin and the fiddle,
they usually say, "That's what I thought."

Itzhak Perlman refers to his strad as a "fiddle." And concert violinists sometimes
refer to their colleagues as "fiddlers." But, this is just a loose way of speaking.

There are several key differences between violin and fiddle music.

• The goal of violin music is beauty and power. The goal of fiddling is danceability.
• Violin music is often harder to play than it sounds. Fiddle music is usually easier
  to play than it sounds.
• Violin performance takes more strength and concentration to play than fiddle music.
• Fiddle music is usually improvised in part. Violin music is rarely improvisational.
• It's easier to learn how to fiddle than how to play violin.

In the beginning stage of learning, there is little, if any, difference between violin and fiddle. That comes later in the intermediate stage. The paths diverge then.

That's why the Fiddle Tab system is such a great way to get started playing the violin. You can start playing the violin. Put all your effort into playing the violin.

Learn how to read music later when playing is not a big struggle. Reading music is much easier to learn when you can already play a little.

My students all start with the tab method if they are complete beginners. Later, they can and do learn to read violin music in standard notation.

If you would like to know more about the video, the book and the CD that are in the
complete system, click the Complete Fiddle Instruction System .

If you would like to see the Top 10 Tunes Tab Charts in pdf format first, just put your e-mail and first name in the form below. Click the "Subscribe Me" button. You're in.

Privacy Policy--Your information will not be given or sold or shared with anyone else. You get the 10 free lesson tips. You also get Fiddle Tech Notes every time it's published.

Do a little typing now and get all the free fiddle instruction I can offer by e-mail.

E-Mail Address: First Name:

Week by week, you will get lessons for the following tunes:

• Bilem Cabbage Down
• Cripple Creek
• Old Joe Clark
• Soldier's Joy
• Sally Gooden
• Mississippi Sawyer
• Blackberry Blossom
• Red Haired Boy
• Bill Cheathum
• Salt River

Instruction notes are sent every week. The first one, Bilem Cabbage Down, is sent right away. Starting today you will receive 10 email tips and comments about the tunes.
The first email is about Bilem Cabbage Down. Next is Cripple Creek, and so on through the list.

If you haven't already downloaded the pdf file of the Top Ten Fiddle Tunes in Tab, click here.