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General Rules of the Violin

June 22, 2012 at 2:43 AM

MECHANICAL
-An octave can be played in any position with a 1 on the lower string and a 4 on the higher string. For example, a C octave can be played in second position on the A and E strings.
-When tuning the instrument, the strings may lean sharp during this time of year; in the wintertime, they may lean flat instead.
A violin practice mute is just like the left pedal of a piano - it makes the sound softer. It is usually placed on the bridge of the violin - or maybe that's just for me. :)
-The pitch range of a normal (four-string) violin goes from a G below Middle C all the way up to an A two octaves above first position 3 on the E String.

PLAY
-In concert, a violin is most commonly used for melodies, harmonies, or accelerated accompaniments.
-In concert, violinists are split into two sections. While there is no difference in the instrument itself, the first violin section typically plays the melodies whilst the second violin section typically plays the countermelodies or harmonies.
-In country music, the violin is referred to as a fiddle. It's the exact same instrument, only it's a different name. Who thought of THAT?

I hope you enjoyed this little article on violin rules. I'm sure I've left a lot out, so please feel free to add more and discuss existing ones in the comments! Thanks a lot!

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