Mastering Violin Chords
Would it really mess with your mind, if I told you there was no such thing as a true violin chord at least not in a technical sense? According to music theory, a chord must have three or more notes.
When playing violin, three or more notes at the same time is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
The musically correct term for playing a violin chord is a dyad.
Having said that, I realize that you are interested in more than just technical information, the term used to describe a violin chord is called a Double Stop.
This is accomplished by bowing across two strings simultaneously.
Pressing on the strings stops the pitch.
Stopping the pitch of two strings gives the technique its name.
There's absolutely no substitute for practice when mastering violin chords.
When practicing these double stops use a 4/4 beat, taping your foot to keep time.
Count four beats as you draw the bow for each double stop.
Make sure your left hand is in proper position under the fingerboard, with your fingertips curved and pressing the appropriate string.
If your fingertips are not curved properly, you will not be able to individually select a string to press.
Your ear is the most important piece of equipment you have when playing double stops.
Listen for the harmony to come through.
If it does not sound right, it probably is not.
While playing violin chords, you must let the bow do the work.
Not applying enough pressure or pressing too hard will be counterproductive.
Keeping your violin in tune is an absolute must when playing violin chords.
There is a technique that accomplished violinists use to play chords with three or four notes in them.
This is done by playing the lowest note of the chord very briefly, and while it resonates, playing the remaining notes of the chord.
This technique is called playing a broken chord.
If you do it correctly, it will sound like a true triple or quadruple stop.
As with most musical techniques, every master will have their own way of playing violin chords.
Don't be afraid ask for help.
You may be able to find local musicians that will be happy to give you pointers.
Music students enrolled in the local college or university can be a valuable resource.
There are a myriad of violin websites available and many of them have online videos that you can watch.
Watching and listening at the same time is a great way to learn.
Sometimes, when trying to learn a new technique, you run into a roadblock or a wall that you just can't seem to get through.
At this juncture is important that you just go back to the basics.
Examine your posture.
Is your right upper arm in the proper position? Are the fingers of your left hand relaxed and curved enough to accomplish your purpose? Is the bow positioned properly? And maybe the most important question of all...
Have you learned enough information and spent enough time in practice to master violin chords?
When playing violin, three or more notes at the same time is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
The musically correct term for playing a violin chord is a dyad.
Having said that, I realize that you are interested in more than just technical information, the term used to describe a violin chord is called a Double Stop.
This is accomplished by bowing across two strings simultaneously.
Pressing on the strings stops the pitch.
Stopping the pitch of two strings gives the technique its name.
There's absolutely no substitute for practice when mastering violin chords.
When practicing these double stops use a 4/4 beat, taping your foot to keep time.
Count four beats as you draw the bow for each double stop.
Make sure your left hand is in proper position under the fingerboard, with your fingertips curved and pressing the appropriate string.
If your fingertips are not curved properly, you will not be able to individually select a string to press.
Your ear is the most important piece of equipment you have when playing double stops.
Listen for the harmony to come through.
If it does not sound right, it probably is not.
While playing violin chords, you must let the bow do the work.
Not applying enough pressure or pressing too hard will be counterproductive.
Keeping your violin in tune is an absolute must when playing violin chords.
There is a technique that accomplished violinists use to play chords with three or four notes in them.
This is done by playing the lowest note of the chord very briefly, and while it resonates, playing the remaining notes of the chord.
This technique is called playing a broken chord.
If you do it correctly, it will sound like a true triple or quadruple stop.
As with most musical techniques, every master will have their own way of playing violin chords.
Don't be afraid ask for help.
You may be able to find local musicians that will be happy to give you pointers.
Music students enrolled in the local college or university can be a valuable resource.
There are a myriad of violin websites available and many of them have online videos that you can watch.
Watching and listening at the same time is a great way to learn.
Sometimes, when trying to learn a new technique, you run into a roadblock or a wall that you just can't seem to get through.
At this juncture is important that you just go back to the basics.
Examine your posture.
Is your right upper arm in the proper position? Are the fingers of your left hand relaxed and curved enough to accomplish your purpose? Is the bow positioned properly? And maybe the most important question of all...
Have you learned enough information and spent enough time in practice to master violin chords?
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