Who hasn't heard the old admonition, "Tune it or die." Well, I'm not that hardcore, am I?
Above is a portion of my stream-of-consciousness workshop on achieving better intonation that might be of some assistance. It was recorded May 16, 2025, at the Bluff Country Gathering in Lanesboro, MN.
Improving intonation is essential for any fiddler, as it directly impacts the sound and expressiveness of your playing. Here are some tips to help you develop better intonation:
1. Use a Tuner - Start by practicing with a tuner to ensure you are playing each note in tune. This helps develop your ear for pitch and allows you to make adjustments in real-time. You can also use a tuner to check the accuracy of intervals and double stops.
2. Play Slowly and Listen Carefully - When practicing scales or tunes, play slowly to ensure each note is in tune before increasing speed. Focus on listening to the pitch of each note and adjust accordingly.
3. Work on Finger Placement & Finger Patterns - Pay close attention to the placement of your fingers on the fingerboard. Even slight misplacements can affect pitch. Also, mark your finger positions with tape or stickers (at least temporarily) as visual reminders to help develop muscle memory for accurate placement…
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