Beginning Violin Basics - Instrument Care, Tuning, and Tips- By: Jerold Siemering

Description : The fiddle is actually an extremely adaptable instrument. If you learn it and treat it properly it will serve you well. If you care for it properly, it is also an investment. In this article you will learn the basics of how to use and care for a violin.

Before you go to play, ensure that the bow hairs are taut, but do not over tighten. After that, put on rosin. Without rosin, bows will create poor to no sound. That is due to the lack of friction otherwise. Apply lightly by running the bow hairs slowly back and forth over the rosin.

When you've finished playing, a soft, dry rag is recommended to take away the leftover rosin on the strings. Also wipe up any dust created on the body of your violin. Dust left on the violin's body for too long will meld to the finish, so this is important.

When you store your violin, always use the case. Don't leave it in very high or low temperature places as it can do any number of bad things to your violin, including warping it, destroying the finish, or making various parts of it brittle. If in a dry area, you may want to invest in a humidifier to avoid cracking or opening of the violin's seems.

These environmental fluctuations can cause pegs to stick as well. Prevention is always optimal, but if it is too late you may use peg compound to help with this. This is a specifically designed lubrication for the pegs. Use only when necessary as regular use can cause a build up to form.

The violin is very delicate and should not be cleaned or polished with just any compound. Common polishes can eat away at the varnish or deteriorate the acoustics. Water can damage it as a cleaner as well. So if it's time to polish your violin, use only polish made specifically for the use on violins.

Many will suggest that a chin rest is a major requirement should you be serious about playing violin. This serves to reduce neck cramps, slipping, or skin irritation that might otherwise bother you.

If you're new to music and don't have the ear for it yet, you may opt to get an electric tuner as well. To tune the violin, simply tighten or loosen the pegs. If the string resonates higher that it should, turn the corresponding peg to the left, if it sounds lower, turn it right.

If your instrument is exactly in tune each time, you will gain an ear for how the notes should sound. After a while you will no longer need the tuner.

When you begin, practice regularly to create the habit. You want it so there is never any mental resistance to picking up your violin and practicing. You can practice longer after you've reached this stage.

It is critical that you practice on a regular basis no matter what. Even if a particular session isn't going well, don't give up. Creating a habit makes it so there is no mental push needed to get through these times.

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