What is a fiddle?
Q: What is a fiddle?
A: A fiddle is a violin used in folk music. It can also be used as a fun word for "violin". Someone who plays the fiddle is known as a "fiddler".
Q: How did the instrument change over time?
A: Fiddles changed over time from country to country and from one era to another. They were of different shapes and sizes, and even had many different names. In some cases they were held against the chest instead of being tucked under the chin. Some instruments, like the kit, were small enough to fit into pockets. In south eastern Europe there was even a fiddle with a belly (the front of the instrument) made of skin.
Q: What type of strings are used on a fiddle?
A: Fiddles usually have strings made out of gut material. The bridges are flatter than those found on classical violins which makes it easier to play chords and bow quickly between strings. The tuning may vary depending on what piece is being played, but G-D-A-E tuning or other tunings such as G-D-G-D or A-E-A-E are common.
Q: How do people learn how to play the fiddle?
A: Many people learn how to play by listening to other players and copying them rather than receiving formal training in classical playing techniques. This style of learning has been passed down through generations since many tunes were never written down but learned by ear from others who had also learned them by ear before them.
Q: What type of bows do most fiddlers use?
A: Most fiddlers use bows that are similar to those used for violins; however, in some countries such as Hungary shorter, heavier bows with horse hair tied around the frog (the heel) are more commonly used instead. With this type of bow, players tighten the hair while playing by squeezing it together with their hands.
Q: Who typically played these instruments?
A: People from all walks of life would have played these instruments including noble people, minstrels entertaining important people, simple peasants and more - often accompanying dancers and singers while they performed acrobatics at feasts or gatherings.
Q: Where did classical violin playing come from?
A: Classical violin playing developed out of country fiddle playing styles that originated centuries ago
