The Shortcut for Learning Beginner Violin-Fiddle Tunes
Tablature or “tab” is a fun way to get a quick start on the violin. Fiddle tab is a straightforward shorthand system of showing what notes to play. Once you learn how to read tab, you will be amazed at how fast you can learn a few simple tunes and build your confidence.
Fiddle tab works in the first position where most traditional and Celtic fiddle tunes are played. If you do not intend on learning Paganini then you should be fine with fiddle tab for a while, though as you progress you will eventually need to learn the “legit” way of reading music.
If you need to add tape marks to your violin, you will need a pencil, masking or pinstripe tape and an electronic tuner.
How to Add Tape Marks on Your Fiddle/Violin
- Get the open strings on your fiddle perfectly in tune with your electronic tuner.
- Play the A on the 4th string (see G1 below) and mark the fingerboard with a pencil when the A is perfectly in tune.
- Repeat step 2, except on the 1st string playing the F# (E1), and marking with a pencil when the F# is in tune.
- Take the thinly cut tape strip and slide it under the strings connecting the two pencil markings made in step 2 and 3.
- Repeat steps 2 to 4 on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string attaching the tape on G2, G3 and G4.
How to Read Fiddle Tab
There are the three steps to learn fiddle tab:
1) You will need to learn the names of the open strings:
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1st string = E
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2nd string = A
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3rd string = D
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4th string = G
2) Study the diagram below and learn the notes that have tape on them, for example, E1, E2, E3 and E4. Learn and play all the notes on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings with tape on them.
3) Now learn the “L” or low notes. Play the E2, then place your finger mid-way between the 1st and 2nd tape mark. This note is called EL2 (or a G in notation)
The diagram above shows where to play a D1 (E in notation) with Fiddle Tab and notation.
D Major Scale in Fiddle Tab
Ok, let’s see if you can figure out how to play the D Major scale and arpeggio using fiddle tab. Start on the D string open (D0) then play the D string, 1st tape mark (D1), and so on:
C Major Scale in Fiddle Tab
Now let’s try the C Major scale and arpeggio. You will see the fourth note is DL2 (F). That means to play that note between the 2nd and 1st piece of tape:
House of the Rising Sun with Fiddle Tab
Ok, let’s move on to the old classic tune “House of the Rising Sun.” Listen to the audio below to get the rhythm and follow the fiddle tab below the notes. There is also a 2nd audio track with a slower guitar backing track to play along with. Click here for the free fiddle pdf.
For more Fiddle/Violin Tablature
For more Fiddle Tab tunes, check out the books below. Also, check out the violin tabs on this page here. Please leave any comments or suggestions for more violin-fiddle lessons below.
Fiddle Tab – Traditional Collection
Can’t read music? Try Fiddle Tab. A fun and easy way to learn traditional fiddle tunes.
Easy Classical Violin Tabs
PDF eBook available now – Add to Cart (below)
To buy the printed book buy from Amazon (link above) or other online bookstores.
Want to learn some classical masterpieces on the violin fast? Try violin tab.
An easy way for you to get playing your violin quickly. Each of the 30 classical masterpieces is represented in 1st Position with violin tablature, notes, bowings and articulations. Scales, exercises and arpeggios are also included with tablature to improve your violin technique.
First, learn how to read the violin tablature (tab) in a few minutes, pick a piece you want to learn then listen and mimic the online audio and video.
Arranged by composer Brent Robitaille and recorded by master violinist Jonathon Garabedian.
Fiddle Tab – Holiday Collection
“Fiddle Tab Holiday Classics” 30-holiday classics for violin/fiddle with big letter notes and easy read tablature. How to read tab and fingerboard charts included. Also, guitar chords and lyrics to sing along. Perfect for beginners and the visually impaired.
Fiddle Tab – Celtic Collection
Can’t read music? Try Fiddle Tab. A fun and easy way to learn Celtic fiddle tunes with easy-to-read fiddle tablature with big notes with letters inside. 30 of the most requested Celtic session tunes – jigs, reels, hornpipes, and waltzes. Great for beginners and visually impaired. below.
30 Celtic Fiddle Tunes with Easy Read Tablature and Notes.
Can i please have more than one instrument
What are you referring to?
I have a few of your books! As an older learner, they help me not get too frustrated with my slow pace , so thanks for that! I just picked up the classical book, and I’m wondering if you have, or will be creating, a country songbook for fiddle tabs?
Glad you are enjoying the violin tabs. I would love to do a country fiddle tab book but most songs are under copyright so can’t compile into a book. However, I can do single pieces. Let me know what pieces you are interested in and I’ll publish them. Thanks
Oh, ok! Well the ones that spring to mind first are a couple of Garth Brooks tunes: Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old, Nightrider’s Lament, and The Cowboy Song.
There’s a song by Alan Doyle called Where the Nightingales Sing
The (Dixie) Chicks: Wide Open Spaces and Cowboy Take Me Away
The Tennessee Waltz
Wagon Wheel
Any of those would be fantastic!
Ok great! thanks for the suggestions. I will work on a few violin tabs and provide the links here soon.
Hi, I finally got around to adding a few more violin fiddle tabs. Visit the violin arrangement page (about half way down) and leave more song suggestions if you have any. Thanks
https://brentrobitaille.com/violin-arrangments/
Were you able to post a link to Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old, yet?
How about anything from Randy Rogers Band or Zach Bryan?
Hey, thanks for the suggestions! I will have a look at those tunes and see what I can do. Check back soon.
I am an older learner too. Wondering which books you have found most helpful?