Howdy! I always have one of my violins in GDGD and not in AEAE exactly because of tension. But, I would add that not all violin string sets are equal; there are low tension string sets.
I agree with not using AEAE. I don't like any tunings that are UP-tunings. I like Cajun, Dead Man's DDAD, and Sawmill GDGD. I like lower sounds anyway, so they're more pleasing to my ear. I should have been a violist, I guess...
First i'd like to say that I really appreciate your videos, your tunes (Flowers of Glasgow comes to mind). I am relatively new to old-time fiddle, but I must say that when I started using AEAE tuning, it was a huge step for me. So many tunes, like Cherokee Shuffle or Tipping back the corn suddenly sounded more "authentic" to me and was more fun to play. It is, of course scary to tune the G and D string up a whole step, and it is basically the same tuning, except that it's a whole step higher. But to me it seems that so many tunes are made for this tuning, so if you want to join the jam, you have to play in A.
Great video .. i used to use 2 fiddles in the old band ...1 tuned down so when they used a Capo on Guitar and Banjo ...I just change Fiddle ..cheers ..:)
If I get the right idea, notation doesn't work with GDGD tuning. So it becomes a matter of strictly playing by ear. Is it confusing switching between the two tunings? (It doesn't seem to be for you.) Other fiddle players often tell me I should get rid of music notation, but I can play 500 tunes (at various levels of proficiency according to how much practice and how recent) without asking "how does it start", as opposed to only playing the same six or twelve tunes every time.
@@peakfiddler Yes, you should! It's not so complicated really, when you get down to it. Let me know if you need a hand, or want to try some collaboration! Good luck :)
@@nikolairuskin I started not long ago to play violin and my teacher recommended me to tune the violin to GDGD because I will also play Arabic music in the future. But, I really like and want to learn classical music as well, do you think it will harm the classical playing with the fact that I tune the violin like that? I don’t intend to change the tune every time, so I want to decide from now on and stick with it
I think the last tune is called ‘Laughing Boy’ not Laughing Gravy. There are several versions on TH-cam to hear under that name, usually in A cross tuning.
I have followed and watched your vids for a long time now and enjoy everyone of them...tell me what programme do you use when you are playing different instruments and stich them together..its brilliant...please
Hi Del, I use Reaper and have used it since version 1, all those years ago when it first appeared. It is simply the most flexible piece of software, but there is a big learning curve. Took me around twelve months to fully get my head round it, but now it does everything I want and is an amazing tool. You can try it for free, just google Reaper DAW
@@peakfiddler Could you PLEASE post the sheet music for "Laughing Gravy", and post a video tutorial on how to play it? I'm currently working on learning your version of "Cooley's Reel". I'd LOVE to start learning "Laughing Gravy" Thanks Peakfiddler
So with the violin tuned to two notes instead of four, can most tunes be adapted to this? I've tried a couple and it seems to work - provided that you alter your finger positions. Plus you have the benefit of drone strings. Is this a valid way of thinking?
This sounds like the tuning fiddlin John carson used on some of his recordings in the 1920s, is it possible this tuning was used by old time fiddle players in the American country music?
How does changing the 2 strings down one note affect the fingering or does it. So A would be 1st finger on the previously A string?? not sure I comprehend what the change means in fingering.
Best thing is give it a try on a spare fiddle if you have one. It is quite easy to play in this tuning, as it's rather like bowing a simple melody on solely the 3rd and 4th string. The melody will be less complex, but definitely rich in timbre.
Hi John, I play the Glasgow reel in standard tuning GDAE. In fact, I made an instructional video which you may find interesting. th-cam.com/video/a6AErsGiFqw/w-d-xo.html
Really interested in tuning down a tone like you describe for Cajun sessions, would that be FCGD? I occasionally play with. Cajun box player who plays variously in CG so this seems like a good idea. Not yet v familiar with open tunings but the videos really help. Thank you so much!
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Thanks for your generous contributions to our understanding. You're a treasure.
Howdy! I always have one of my violins in GDGD and not in AEAE exactly because of tension. But, I would add that not all violin string sets are equal; there are low tension string sets.
I agree with not using AEAE. I don't like any tunings that are UP-tunings.
I like Cajun, Dead Man's DDAD, and Sawmill GDGD. I like lower sounds anyway, so they're more pleasing to my ear.
I should have been a violist, I guess...
First i'd like to say that I really appreciate your videos, your tunes (Flowers of Glasgow comes to mind). I am relatively new to old-time fiddle, but I must say that when I started using AEAE tuning, it was a huge step for me. So many tunes, like Cherokee Shuffle or Tipping back the corn suddenly sounded more "authentic" to me and was more fun to play. It is, of course scary to tune the G and D string up a whole step, and it is basically the same tuning, except that it's a whole step higher. But to me it seems that so many tunes are made for this tuning, so if you want to join the jam, you have to play in A.
Great video .. i used to use 2 fiddles in the old band ...1 tuned down so when they used a Capo on Guitar and Banjo ...I just change Fiddle ..cheers ..:)
Very interesting. Great video. I really enjoy your playinh!! I am working on The Dark Isle now!! But in regular tuning.
That's a lovely melody too
Very helpful! Thank you very much! I will put this all to use.
If I get the right idea, notation doesn't work with GDGD tuning. So it becomes a matter of strictly playing by ear. Is it confusing switching between the two tunings? (It doesn't seem to be for you.) Other fiddle players often tell me I should get rid of music notation, but I can play 500 tunes (at various levels of proficiency according to how much practice and how recent) without asking "how does it start", as opposed to only playing the same six or twelve tunes every time.
Very cool! This is also the tuning used in Arabic music!
I was recently contemplating introducing the Arabic Oud into my music, so many different tunings, what an fascinating learning curve.
@@peakfiddler Yes, you should! It's not so complicated really, when you get down to it. Let me know if you need a hand, or want to try some collaboration! Good luck :)
@@nikolairuskin
I started not long ago to play violin and my teacher recommended me to tune the violin to GDGD because I will also play Arabic music in the future. But, I really like and want to learn classical music as well, do you think it will harm the classical playing with the fact that I tune the violin like that? I don’t intend to change the tune every time, so I want to decide from now on and stick with it
How great! Interesting sound!
Thank you
Thanks for listening
@@peakfiddler welcome ☺
Your work is interesting and inspiring
I tuned my guitar to this when i broke both e strings, it sounds phenomenal
Helpful. Thanks!
Thank you.
I think the last tune is called ‘Laughing Boy’ not Laughing Gravy. There are several versions on TH-cam to hear under that name, usually in A cross tuning.
oops, my mistake
Thank sir you are to kind.
As a guitarist, i was wondering, if other stringed instruments also use open tunings. Very insightful video, thank you!
Ukulele also has cross tuning
The reason I have my fiddle tuned to GDGD is so the banjo player doesn't have to shackle that beautiful instrument with a capo.
Where can I find Laughing Gravy music please? Love that GDGD tuning. Thanks
Hi Allan, It's here - there is a link to the musical notation in the video description - th-cam.com/video/cRYOpIlfwKU/w-d-xo.html
I have followed and watched your vids for a long time now and enjoy everyone of them...tell me what programme do you use when you are playing different instruments and stich them together..its brilliant...please
Hi Del, I use Reaper and have used it since version 1, all those years ago when it first appeared. It is simply the most flexible piece of software, but there is a big learning curve. Took me around twelve months to fully get my head round it, but now it does everything I want and is an amazing tool. You can try it for free, just google Reaper DAW
@@peakfiddler
Could you PLEASE post the sheet music for "Laughing Gravy", and post a video tutorial on how to play it?
I'm currently working on learning your version of "Cooley's Reel".
I'd LOVE to start learning "Laughing Gravy"
Thanks Peakfiddler
@@kenb.336 Hi Ken, That is already scheduled to be uploaded onto my Patreon website and will be up very soon. www.patreon.com/peakfiddler
So with the violin tuned to two notes instead of four, can most tunes be adapted to this? I've tried a couple and it seems to work - provided that you alter your finger positions. Plus you have the benefit of drone strings. Is this a valid way of thinking?
Fun!
This sounds like the tuning fiddlin John carson used on some of his recordings in the 1920s, is it possible this tuning was used by old time fiddle players in the American country music?
all the time
what tuning is good for irish music like mairis wedding/star of the county down/etc? thank you!
Regular GDAE tuning without a doubt.
@@peakfiddler thank you so much!
Ah so it's like the sympathetic strings on the viola d amore or the hurdy gurdy.
Yes indeed, makes for a different sound
GDGD is good for banjoists who want to take up fiddle playing.
How does changing the 2 strings down one note affect the fingering or does it. So A would be 1st finger on the previously A string?? not sure I comprehend what the change means in fingering.
Best thing is give it a try on a spare fiddle if you have one. It is quite easy to play in this tuning, as it's rather like bowing a simple melody on solely the 3rd and 4th string. The melody will be less complex, but definitely rich in timbre.
Did you have it tuned down for the Glassglow reel ?
Hi John, I play the Glasgow reel in standard tuning GDAE. In fact, I made an instructional video which you may find interesting. th-cam.com/video/a6AErsGiFqw/w-d-xo.html
Okay thanks
Really interested in tuning down a tone like you describe for Cajun sessions, would that be FCGD? I occasionally play with. Cajun box player who plays variously in CG so this seems like a good idea. Not yet v familiar with open tunings but the videos really help. Thank you so much!