Old-Time Fiddling Tips by Bruce Molsky

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
  • Bruce Molsky shows you bow strokes that can help you achieve an authentic 'old-time' sound. Molsky is an American fiddler, banjo player, guitarist, and singer. He primarily performs old-time music of the Appalachian region. He is a former member of Fiddlers 4 (with Darol Anger, Michael Doucet, and Rushad Eggelston).
    Check out this full lesson from Strings Magazine at stringsmagazine...

ความคิดเห็น • 203

  • @robertshorthill4153
    @robertshorthill4153 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I play a bit of mandolin. I learn some things every week. I don't practice enough like I should. I love the damn thing to the point of tears and shame for not playing more. My family does'nt care to hear me practice these old timey tunes-- they like the country crap being generated ad nauseam these days, so I have to practice in my unheated studio. Summer is coming and good weather, so I can sit out near my garden to play. Listening to this gent makes me appreciate the fiddle more than I already do. If I ever decided to take up the fiddle (?) and I could afford lessons, Bruce would definitely be the guy I would go to, to get me on the right path.!! So much good music to be had, so little time.

  • @joeroberson6676
    @joeroberson6676 9 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I read music and have been playing the violin for a over 46 years now but have such a hard time getting my playing to stop sounding like a violin and start sounding like "the fiddle" with that "swing sound". Your presentation was so enlightening! I didn't practice but concentrated on listening to you until you showed the "fulcrum" style and I just had to try it before listening to the rest of your video. I could not believe how hard it was for me to bow that was as many years as I've been playing. :

    • @edithgursel2522
      @edithgursel2522 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Joe Roberson the

    • @dfmontgomery91
      @dfmontgomery91 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Joe Roberson j

    • @killianbridger3206
      @killianbridger3206 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      you prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account??
      I was stupid lost my login password. I love any assistance you can offer me!

    • @otismohammed5555
      @otismohammed5555 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Killian Bridger instablaster ;)

    • @killianbridger3206
      @killianbridger3206 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Otis Mohammed thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im trying it out now.
      Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

  • @floydwebtube
    @floydwebtube 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    At 57 years old, I just got a fiddle. Been playing guitar forever. This video is just fantastic! Thank you, Sir! I feel like this is such a natural progression for me. I must thank Molly Tuttle and her music for inspiring me into the bluegrass/Appalachia genre.Check her out!

  • @stacy2point0
    @stacy2point0 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Just moved to Missouri... So I want to learn fiddle like I've always wanted. I am an adult (50) learner so wish me luck.

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good luck. Me, too. Let me know how sore your fingers get on fretting.

    • @wucuttas3165
      @wucuttas3165 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      wishing you luck!

    • @mrgroovestring
      @mrgroovestring 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Mid 60's here. I started last year in January, if you are determined you can do it. Listen to all of the old time videos on TH-cam that you can, turn it on the stereo etc. Get yourself a fiddle that sounds good to you, and feels good in your hands Get it the rhythm/swing in your head, and love it. God bless!

    • @sixstringsaway7642
      @sixstringsaway7642 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Curley ray cline would be a good start

    • @pachydermavenger
      @pachydermavenger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Invest in decent bow if you can

  • @RameyRocks
    @RameyRocks 8 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    LOVE!!! Just bought a fiddle this week and started lessons the next day. So I have only had one lesson so far but its my dream to play fiddle music like this someday. I have wanted to learn for 20 years!!

    • @WOKINTUSD
      @WOKINTUSD 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Missi R i bought 1930s Jackson guldan violin Stradivarius 1930s which course is a fiddle 😁😊🎼🎼🎼🎵🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶♩♩♩🎻🎻🎻🎻

    • @gval900
      @gval900 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah it will take that long... it has been fifteen for me. Still so far to go..

    • @muddymike
      @muddymike 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@WOKINTUSD no way, I have a Jackson guldan given to me by my uncle. Been playing on and off a few years but been back at it more and more

    • @WOKINTUSD
      @WOKINTUSD 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gval900 i played on several occasions.

    • @staceydeel6306
      @staceydeel6306 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I got one for Christmas. I played the clarinet in high school 35 years ago. I love the fiddle and hope to plat The Orange Blossom Special. Right now it sounds like I'm murdering a 🐈

  • @colindouglas7769
    @colindouglas7769 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had the great pleasure of meeting Bruce and sharing a few tunes with him at one of the early Niel Gow Fiddle Festivals when I had the amazing honour of being the custodian of one of the fiddles of Scotland's legendary fiddler Niel Gow. It's always great to see the masters of the fiddling arts passing on their knowledge in such a clear concise manner.

  • @angelvoice2376
    @angelvoice2376 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Absolutely fantastic teacher - truly one of a kind! Thank you for your exceptional patience and expertise. There are tutors, and then there is you! ❤

  • @larrykohling
    @larrykohling 10 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Six months later and my playing has improved ten fold. Thank you!

  • @normw7060
    @normw7060 9 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    The first tune is called 'Candy Girl' and comes from an old record by 'Uncle' Bunt Stephens. The other tune is 'Say Darling Say' from Tommy Jarrell. (Both these can be found on TH-cam).

    • @Kydilee
      @Kydilee 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      3 years later... thanks so much for the info! I was just wondering! So you fiddle? Banjr? Something? Are you on a forum somewheres? I'd love to talk tunes :)

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I will bet that Tommy is related to a Kelley.

  • @trumpsahead
    @trumpsahead 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow, what a talent. This is some serious information. Thank you Mr. Molsky, just now took a sample of your new album, and it's a winner I'll be listening to regularly. Thanks for your help in the language of fiddlin'. ciao.

  • @stagelifelv9324
    @stagelifelv9324 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant tips with beautiful subtlety. You sir are a treasure. God bless you!

  • @aspektx
    @aspektx 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've lost count of how many times I've listened to 'Lost Boy' over the years. This was a treat.

  • @frankbonner3496
    @frankbonner3496 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job Bruce. Thanks for all the help through the years. You are an icon for old-time fiddlers.

  • @heidihilgenberg3814
    @heidihilgenberg3814 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I like hearing about the different bow techniques. Thank you!

  • @trudybradt6413
    @trudybradt6413 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You make it look so easy! I've just bought a fiddle and I hope to play half as good as you someday. I love this video. Thank you Bruce.

  • @sweetpea7583
    @sweetpea7583 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed that video. Am a classically schooled 'fiddler' w/lots of practice ahead of me to get that 'authentic' fiddle sound.

  • @briansmith203
    @briansmith203 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks Bruce! That cleared up a lot of mystery about the pulse/push sound that has been eluding me for years. Now to practice it.

  • @darI33n
    @darI33n 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Absolutely loved this! I could watch you all day :) Thank you!

  • @tallen1628
    @tallen1628 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just listened to the 'candy girl' intro at the beginning of this video at half speed and realised just how much groove and subteltly is at play here... Wow.

  • @gabrielbay9739
    @gabrielbay9739 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is just beautiful, I cant stop watching it

  • @BlindTom61
    @BlindTom61 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I keep coming back to this because it is far and away my favorite fiddle video on youtube. Big. big thanks!

  • @martinlaird4738
    @martinlaird4738 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Seen Bruce twice at the transatlantic sessions in Glasgow front row seats twice! Inspiring musician!

  • @songsabai3794
    @songsabai3794 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great tip!... Bruce certainly has that "authentic" sound and technique for us all to relish in. The piece he demonstrates sounds so simple but observe closely the technique he employs and discover there is a whole lot going on inside that tune !

    • @robertshorthill6836
      @robertshorthill6836 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Another great "old time" fiddler of Americana music not to be ignored is one John Specker. He has studied fiddle for many years. Cheers.

  • @keithcary1796
    @keithcary1796 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much, Bruce. I started playing fiddle again after seeing/hearing you at the Palms Playhouse in Winters, CA, some months ago. Please come back!

  • @OXHB599
    @OXHB599 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Definitely adding this to practice!

  • @nean12350
    @nean12350 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wow what an incredible insights. I am not a fiddler but I can sure hear some of the phrasing you are talking about. great stuff Bruce you are not only a magnificent fiddler but a very clear instructor.

  • @andriellen7181
    @andriellen7181 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh my gosh. This guy is amazing.

  • @aahlstrom93
    @aahlstrom93 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks Mr. Molksy. I am trying to learn fiddle coming from a guitar background... hard stuff to be honest. I can't just pick it up and play like I could the banjo. You really add some south flavor to that thing with those drone notes.

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Try watching Fiddlehed videos. He will teach you notation, fingering, and pausing his instryctions is highly reccommended. Good luck.

  • @josephvanwie6706
    @josephvanwie6706 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Bruce, you cook brother. That music speaks to my soul. I've definitely decided to purchase a fiddle and pour my soul into it. Thanks Bud.

  • @ECMVAQ137
    @ECMVAQ137 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been playing long time..try all kinds a things..still do! But Bruce is simply of one THEE best and coolest.! Thank You!

  • @davidnoland4216
    @davidnoland4216 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thanks. This is my first lesson. I only screeched a fiddle once about 55 years ago. I'm thinking of trying it again at age 76. How hard could it be lol

  • @mrgroovestring
    @mrgroovestring 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    To: Bruce Molski........ You sir, are THE man.👍

  • @diannedavis5443
    @diannedavis5443 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great lesson - wish there were more of these demos.

  • @HEADSUPBERKELEY
    @HEADSUPBERKELEY 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    GREAT LESSON thanks Strings Mag

  • @joshuatendoornkaat8558
    @joshuatendoornkaat8558 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    i've been playing mandolin for a while and have become fairly good, but i really wish i could play fiddle. It just sounds so beautiful. What's even more frustrating is that the mandolin and fiddle are tuned the same, so whenever i hear a fiddler play, i can hear exactly what he's playing where on the fingerboard, but when i try to play it myself i'm confounded. Thanks for the tips! I'm gonna practice some bowing.

  • @sasikalakoppada6774
    @sasikalakoppada6774 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the valuable tips
    Sir.

  • @maxpreston2569
    @maxpreston2569 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you BRUCE MOLSKY!!!

  • @MrBluegrassfiddler
    @MrBluegrassfiddler 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice presentation. Good work, Bruce Molsky.

  • @ellenbruckermarshall4179
    @ellenbruckermarshall4179 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Bruce! Good to see you at Fiddle Hell. Thanks for the break-down on dimensions.

  • @j4km4r
    @j4km4r ปีที่แล้ว

    Big thanks from Germany! I look forward to employing your tips in my exercises. :)

    • @KathrynRosa
      @KathrynRosa ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello

    • @KathrynRosa
      @KathrynRosa ปีที่แล้ว

      👋
      How are you doing today and it’s nice meeting you if you don’t mind
      Will you mind for a private chat 💬

  • @SueDuda
    @SueDuda 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video Bruce! Thank you! Looking forward to your workshops at Bluff Country Gathering in May 2014!!!!!!!!!!

  • @timeisapathwalkingtounderstand
    @timeisapathwalkingtounderstand 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you for the video Here in New York City Saturday August 22 5 p.m. practicing on my violin trying to get better it's a beautiful tough instrument to learn

  • @paulclifford9008
    @paulclifford9008 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Bruce!

  • @kitwells
    @kitwells 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice, clear and informed instruction! Extremely useful tips and exercises. This lesson has helped me so much in understanding and performing - I'm now being more precise and gentle with my bowing. I can't thank you enough Bruce!

  • @BillAlpert
    @BillAlpert 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a rich vocabulary, that our "classical" pedagogy doesn't begin to cover. Thank you Mr. Molsky for your brilliant contributions to our musical universe!

  • @atalhlla
    @atalhlla 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The “fulcrum” bowing is something I saw also in Swedish tunes, a nice shared technique there. Anyway, gonna have to practice all of this, now that I know what to do!

  • @gaylesheets4820
    @gaylesheets4820 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I play this music, but lack the authentic 'old time sound'. So I'm gonna try to learn it from you. I was thinking of going somewhere to learn it, but talk myself out of going... I'm hoping I can get the knack from you. Here's to trying!

  • @hunterdowdle5204
    @hunterdowdle5204 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Candy Girl by Uncle Bunt Stephens in the beginning of the video. One of my favorite tunes! I recommend listening to Marcus Martin, too. Particularly his tune “Happy Hollow”.

  • @romodoctor
    @romodoctor 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Bruce. Its amazing how those simple techniques work so well.

  • @PP-hq1sy
    @PP-hq1sy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    such a GREAT video. Thank you!!!

  • @blainethebard7970
    @blainethebard7970 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wonderful! Your explanation was tremendously helpful!

  • @luckylyerly
    @luckylyerly 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Bruce. You have such a gift - thanks for sharing it.

  • @MandolinSunrise
    @MandolinSunrise 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really appreciate the tips, just finally bought a fiddle. Many thanks.

  • @bentwheel2063
    @bentwheel2063 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    that lesson was Gold!! thx

  • @TheAllscott
    @TheAllscott 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is great. Thanks for taking the time. So much great information I feel like I have a way forward to learn now. Thank you!

  • @jerrychaput2529
    @jerrychaput2529 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are right on very clear teaching can tell you love what you teach n it will drop down on us your students , when a student wants to learn a teacher shall appear,Aloha n never stop teaching JChoneybell TH-cam ....

  • @PeterValentino
    @PeterValentino 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are an exceptional teacher. Thanks!

  • @dbd1353
    @dbd1353 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    he makes this look so easy..a true master..

  • @cathygoltsoff9615
    @cathygoltsoff9615 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for making this video.

  • @superrobot3187
    @superrobot3187 10 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    HE PLAYED US LIKE A DAMN FIDDLE

  • @patrickbly4170
    @patrickbly4170 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to know a Gentleman who lived in Pittsfield N . H . HIS name was Bruce also ... great Dance Fiddler

  • @gabrielbay9739
    @gabrielbay9739 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mah man, that playing is a dream

  • @fiddleplayer51
    @fiddleplayer51 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for posting this, Bruce! Great tips!

  • @jondoe4667
    @jondoe4667 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You talk about how you learn to speak with the fiddle. It's an instrument that really makes me feel the emotion in a song. 😁🇺🇲

  • @tbrandon2813
    @tbrandon2813 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. Very informative. Thank you

  • @jerroneous8549
    @jerroneous8549 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Came for the tips stayed for the amazing playing!

  • @laurinvickrey151
    @laurinvickrey151 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So cool my little boy is joining orchestra and will be learning violin 🎻

  • @fedaykincmndr
    @fedaykincmndr 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Standard tuning. Thank you so much Mr. Molsky!

    • @willarity6927
      @willarity6927 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "... and the pulsing Candy Girl, a 1924 Tennessee tune in AEAD or 'sawmill' tuning." From a description of the tune from Bruce's page on HomeSpunTapes.com.

  • @patton137
    @patton137 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing.

  • @JimPlattes
    @JimPlattes 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great pointers for this style. Nice Italian fiddle too.

    • @3lackdog
      @3lackdog 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      His usual fiddle is an American made fiddle by a guy with an Italian sounding name, Bruno Stefani, I think. This is probably that instrument. :)

  • @Canalvee00
    @Canalvee00 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow!! Thank you so much for this Bruce.

  • @chas5131
    @chas5131 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, Bruce!

  • @troutfisher7182
    @troutfisher7182 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Bruce!

  • @jennymallin9404
    @jennymallin9404 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My grandad played old time , I am now learning on his fiddle (passed down to me)

  • @talantus
    @talantus ปีที่แล้ว

    And here i thought blue grass fiddlin was all about chords and bending my left fingers out of shape, well there's probably some of that too 😂
    But it sounds much more fun and feels much more relieving to understand i simply need to keep practicing what I've been doing own my own for two years.
    Just play the bow in different ways! 😁
    I was dreading bluegrass but no more! Awesome!

    • @charlibrown7745
      @charlibrown7745 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Bruce is playing old time fiddle not bluegrass.

  • @BDRHDG
    @BDRHDG 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    WOW MAGNIFICENT YOU PLAY SO BEAUTIFULLY YOUR STYLE SO SMOOTH I ENJOY WATCHING YOU WITH THE BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT I GOT A VIOLIN LAST YEAR AND I'M TRYING TO BOND WITH IT

  • @mariemorris7031
    @mariemorris7031 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much! I salute you...............

  • @briansmith203
    @briansmith203 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, that was very helpful! I've been trying to play Candy Girl for a few years now and that was perfect as an example.

  • @JaneEKat
    @JaneEKat 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful!! Very helpful tips .... thank you!!!

  • @mw33213
    @mw33213 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Wow, this is awesome! I'm trying to branch into fiddling from classical violin. Has anyone else done it? Is it difficult? :)

    • @royelmo38
      @royelmo38 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Momo Wang have your bridge shaved down. lower action and less arc to the top of the bridge makes double stops easier to play.

    • @greenshp
      @greenshp 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It also makes it easier to accidently hit the wrong string. A lot of great fiddlers never shave down the bridge - they just properly learn the 7 planes. I'll bet Momo already has those mastered, so...

    • @chelseasleep6769
      @chelseasleep6769 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've "converted" many and they all say the best way to get the feel for it is to listen to as much fiddle music as possible. They more you know what it's supposed to sound like the easier it will be. They usually say it's harder than they thought it would be but totally worth it.

    • @johnnyparker9928
      @johnnyparker9928 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It like learning a second language.

  • @RusnakBanjo
    @RusnakBanjo 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Howdy Bruce,,,Cant place the title of the last tune your playing here?

  • @johnnyparker9928
    @johnnyparker9928 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing your talent and insight.

  • @jack002tuber
    @jack002tuber 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good video. Thanks for posting it

  • @retox2929
    @retox2929 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank You Sir,..................

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, Bruce. I have two questions: how did you learn that bow arching and rocking, the manipulation were the subtle and better things to do? Second, you mentioned Tommy Jerrel, was he by any chance related to folks named Kelley? I am distantly related ti a Nancy Jerrell Kelley. Just asking. Thanks.

  • @Lloyd-mo
    @Lloyd-mo ปีที่แล้ว

    That sure is a great sounding fiddle.

  • @ProgRockDan1
    @ProgRockDan1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you

  • @Pup_Project
    @Pup_Project 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thanks for the insight...
    I really needed it.... :-)

  • @neilrowe119
    @neilrowe119 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can i ask the name of the tune played at the start? Thanks from Australia

  • @allansimonmerovitz
    @allansimonmerovitz 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It’s a great occupation for any age!

  • @johis33333
    @johis33333 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi there bruce molsky just wondering if you known the cross tuning to this what is it

  • @phreakadelik21
    @phreakadelik21 ปีที่แล้ว

    What’s the name of the reel he starts off with?

  • @MattBellViolinist
    @MattBellViolinist 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice job! Thanks!

  • @thesongstable7153
    @thesongstable7153 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    this guy is the man

  • @whatever_bites
    @whatever_bites 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    what’s the name of the tune he plays in the beginning

  • @Javaux54
    @Javaux54 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love this. What tune did you open with?

  • @HillCatMusic
    @HillCatMusic 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome!

  • @antha1174
    @antha1174 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    amazing thank you !

  • @mrgroovestring
    @mrgroovestring 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wonder what brand of strings does he prefer on his fiddle

  • @esthermcnaughton
    @esthermcnaughton 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lovely, thank you!