How to play Chords Beautifully on the Violin

June 4, 2013 at 12:23 PM

Chords on the violin - AKA Doublestops, Triplestops, Quadruplestops. Doublestops are two strings, Triplestops are three strings, Quadruplestops are four strings. They can be a challenge, but once you know the secret formula you will never have issues with chords again! It is a very simple secret. I can't count how many times I have told students over and over and over the secret and now it is in video for all to watch. Violinists around the world now are able to play beautiful chords whether they be up bow, down bow, triplestops, and/or quadruplestops. Remember the secret of balance - do not push and do not force - only relaxed weight and pull. No more frustrations with bad sounding chords:)

Happy Practicing your Chords.

P.S
Share below your chord story - what is your favorite piece full of chords? Mine is the Bach Chaconne :)

P.S.S This post does not cover the technique for quick down bow triplestops that are like in Praeludium and Allegro or the Bruch g minor concerto. We will save that technique for another post:)

Happy Practicing!

Heather Broadbent

From Emma Otto
Posted on June 4, 2013 at 8:44 PM

Thanks for posting this video - it's very helpful (even for the Bruch Concerto, which I'm currently learning).

My favorite double-stop piece is Ao Pe Da Fogueira (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxSaJ9GD_TA). It's pretty easy, short, and sweet.

From elise stanley
Posted on June 5, 2013 at 2:52 AM

I have two favorite chord runs (other than Bach who out-chords everyone): the opening of the Beethoven romance in G, and likewise the opening of the Franko cadenza for the MozartIII concerto.

From Kevin Keating
Posted on June 6, 2013 at 3:23 AM

Awesome video! Huge help. I don't have a teacher at this point. With sooooo many violin "teachers" on the web, I've found that it's best to find only one or two who are detailed in their explanations and easy to understand and stick with only them. Otherwise you get confused with so many contradictions. You are definitely very detailed and always easy to understand. Love your videos. Thank you.

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How to play Chords Beautifully on the Violin

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