Summary of Frequently Asked Questions for Violin Beginners 2023

Are you having some questions when you start learning the violin? Recently, I have compiled some frequently asked questions about the violin by our customers, hoping to help you. We will continue to update the list in the future. If you have any violin-related questions you would like to know, we can discuss them together.

1: At what age should children start learning the violin?

Generally speaking, the violin is an instrument that requires an early start to learning, as it requires patience, perseverance, and technique. However, the specific age to start learning the violin varies from person to person, as each child's interests and development speed are different.

Generally, 4-6 years old is a suitable age range to start learning the violin. At this age, children's hand-foot coordination and concentration begin to develop, and they gradually have a certain sense of musical perception. At the same time, children's hands are still relatively small, making it easier for them to adapt to the size of the violin.

However, the specific time to start learning the violin should also be determined based on the child's personality and interests. If a child is not interested in learning the violin, even if they start learning at an early age, they may not achieve good results. In addition, the child's physical fitness and growth rate should also be considered, to avoid choosing a violin that is too large or too small and causing physical harm to the child. Therefore, parents can choose a suitable time to start learning the violin based on their child's personality and physical condition.

2: I am an adult, can I learn the violin?

Yes, of course! No matter how old you are, as long as you are willing to learn and invest time and effort, you can learn to play the violin. In fact, many adults start learning the violin and become very successful at it.

3: Which is easier to learn, the violin or the guitar?

The violin and the guitar are both popular instruments in the music world, but they differ in terms of learning difficulty and technical requirements.

Generally speaking, the guitar is relatively easy to learn in the early stages because its scale arrangement is relatively simple. Beginners can quickly learn and master some basic chords and simple pop songs. In addition, the guitar is a strumming instrument, which has a lower technical threshold compared to the violin, so learners can quickly grasp the basic playing techniques.

In contrast, the violin may require more patience and practice in the early stages because it requires learning and mastering many basic techniques and bowing methods, such as proper posture, left-hand fingering, bowing movements, etc. At the same time, the violin's scale arrangement is more complex, requiring more practice and mastery.

4: Is it okay to learn the violin by myself?

Self-learning the violin is possible, but you need to pay attention to the following points:

*Learning resources: You need to find reliable learning resources, such as instructional videos, textbooks, online courses, etc. Make sure the resources you use are accurate and won't lead you to form incorrect habits.

*Self-discipline: Learning the violin requires patience and self-discipline. You need to spend time and effort practicing techniques and skills, especially in the early stages where more practice is needed to establish correct posture and technique.

*Feedback and guidance: It is difficult to get professional feedback and guidance when self-learning the violin. It is recommended that you find some violinists or teachers to regularly check your performance and technique, and provide feedback and guidance.

*Violin community: Joining a violin orchestra or community can help you learn better. By communicating and playing with other violinists, you can better develop skills and also find supporters who motivate you.

In summary, self-learning the violin requires you to spend more time and effort on learning requires self-discipline and patience and also requires seeking professional feedback and guidance regularly.

5: What musical instruments are there in the violin family?

*Violin: The highest pitched instrument in the violin family, with a bright and soaring tone. It is widely used in symphonies, chamber music, solos, and folk music. 

*Viola: Has a lower range than the violin and a deeper, more resonant tone. It is commonly used in chamber music and as a harmonizing instrument in orchestral music. 

*Cello: Has a lower range than the viola and a deeper, more resonant, and rich tone. It is commonly used in solos, chamber music, symphonies, and jazz music, among other genres. 

*Double Bass: The lowest-pitched instrument in the violin family, with a rich and deep tone. It is typically used as a bass instrument in orchestral music and jazz music.

6: Is it easier to learn the viola or cello after learning the violin?

Learning violin before learning viola or cello can make it easier because these instruments have similarities in playing posture, left-hand technique, and right-hand technique. Specifically, here are some aspects that may help you in learning viola or cello:

*Left-hand technique: Violin, viola, and cello all require left-hand fingering, so you already have a foundation in left-hand technique, which will make it easier for you to learn other instruments in the violin family.

*Right-hand technique: All instruments in the violin family require bowing with the right hand, although specific techniques may differ. However, you are already familiar with the feeling of the bow sliding on the strings, which will also help you learn the right-hand technique of other instruments in the violin family more quickly.

*Intuitive understanding: Learning one instrument can help you better understand music and instruments, and this intuitive understanding can help you adapt more quickly to other instruments in the violin family.

7: Should students learn violin or viola or cello or bass initially?

For beginners, it is usually recommended to start with learning the violin. Here are some reasons:

*The violin is one of the most basic instruments in the violin family and learning it can help you master the basic techniques of the family, such as correct posture, intonation, and rhythm.

*The violin has a higher pitch and a brighter and more distinct tone compared to the viola or cello, making it easier for beginners to understand and grasp basic music theory and concepts.

*The violin is more widely used and there are more learning resources, suitable materials, and teachers available for beginners.

*Learning the violin can also help you develop some basic music skills, such as reading music and rhythm, which can come in handy when learning other instruments in the future.

8: What are the parts of a violin?

The parts of a violin include the top plate, back plate, bridge, scroll, strings, tuning pegs, tailpiece, chinrest, f-holes, and rib. For more details, please refer to the "Parts of the violin: Encyclopedia of violin, search by letter."

9: How does the violin work?

The vibration produced by the friction between the bow and strings is transmitted to the entire violin through the bridge and finally propagated through the F-hole after resonance in the sound box. For more information, please refer to "How does your violin produce sound?"

10: Why does my violin have no sound?

*The bow is not rosined. 

*The violin is not tuned. 

*The bridge is not properly fitted. 

*The soundpost is not properly fitted. 

*The quality of the violin is poor, resulting in poor sound quality. 

You can check the above issues and seek professional help if you are unable to resolve them on your own.

11: What are the sizes of violins?

The size of a violin is usually determined based on the player's body size and hand size. There are seven main sizes of violins: 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full-size). Below are the age and height ranges for different sizes of violins:

*1/16 violin: suitable for children aged 3-5, with a height of about 70-80 cm.

*1/10 violin: suitable for children aged 4-6, with a height of about 80-90 cm.

*1/8 violin: suitable for children aged 5-7, with a height of about 90-100 cm.

*1/4 violin: suitable for children aged 6-8, with a height of about 100-110 cm.

*1/2 violin: suitable for children aged 8-10 or shorter adults, with a height of about 110-120 cm.

*3/4 violin: suitable for children aged 10-12 or taller adults, with a height of about 120-130 cm.

*4/4 (full-size) violin: suitable for children aged 12 and above, and adults with a height of over 130 cm.

It is important to note that the above are general guidelines, and individual players may need more specific sizing based on personal differences such as hand length and arm length.

Reference: "INSTRUMENT SIZE GUIDE"

12: How many strings are there in the violin? How do I change the strings?

In general, a violin has four strings, namely E, A, D, and G strings. If you need to replace the strings, you can refer to "The Best violin Beginner's Guide: Strings, Bridges, and Tuning" which provides detailed steps and videos.

13: Do I have to use a shoulder rest?

Not all violin players need to use a shoulder rest, as it depends on their habits and physique. The main purpose of using a shoulder rest is to make the player hold the violin more comfortably and prevent the instrument from slipping. Some players can support the violin with their shoulders and chin without using a shoulder rest while playing. 

If you are just starting to learn to play the violin, it is recommended to use a shoulder rest. This can help you focus better on your bowing and left-hand technique without worrying about the instrument slipping. For long periods of playing, a shoulder rest can also reduce discomfort in the shoulders and neck. 

Different materials and shapes of shoulder rest also have an impact on the player's comfort. You can try different shoulder rests to find the one that suits you best.

14: As a beginner, which one is more suitable, the electric violin or the wooden violin?

It is recommended for beginners to start with a traditional wooden violin. You can read "The difference between the electric violin and the traditional violin" to understand the difference.

15: What are the difficulties in learning the violin?

*Basic posture: Violin playing requires correct posture, including holding the instrument, bowing technique, and left-hand position. These postures need to be practiced and continuously strengthened through muscle memory.

*Intonation: The violin is a very pitch-sensitive instrument, so intonation is one of the most important skills in violin playing. To achieve accurate pitch, it is necessary to develop auditory perception and finger accuracy through continuous practice.

*Bowing technique: Bowing technique is another important skill in violin playing, requiring mastery of correct bow speed, pressure, and angle of the bow hair on the strings, among other techniques.

*Left-hand technique: Violin playing requires the use of the left hand to press the fingerboard, which requires continuous practice in developing coordination and flexibility between the fingers, as well as gradual strengthening of finger strength.

*Performance skills: As violin playing skills improve, performers need to master various performance skills, such as vibrato, trills, and tremolos, which require practice and mastery to be freely used in performance.

16: Can I play the violin with my left hand?

Yes, there is a special left-handed violin, you can consult your teacher for help.

17: How do beginners master the correct posture?

*Correct bow grip: The bow grip should be between the frog and the tip. The fingers should be relaxed, with the middle and ring fingers gripping the bow stick, while the index finger and thumb rest on the side of the bow stick. The wrist should be naturally bent, not too stiff or overly relaxed.

*Proper finger placement: The left-hand fingers should be placed correctly on the fingerboard. The fingers should be curved, with the fingertips resting on the strings and the knuckles bent outward. The thumb should be placed underneath the fingers, not too high or too low.

*Correct violin placement: The chin rest of the violin should be placed on the chin, not too high or too low. The left hand should grip the neck of the violin, not too tightly or too loosely.

*Proper posture: Beginners should maintain an upright sitting or standing posture. The shoulders should be relaxed and lowered, not raised too high. At the same time, the waist should also be relaxed, not bent or overly twisted.

*Seek professional guidance: It is best to seek guidance from a professional teacher before learning the violin. A teacher can promptly identify and correct a student's incorrect posture, helping them to quickly master the correct posture.

18: How do beginners master the standard timbre?

*Practice basic scales: Practicing basic scales is an important way to improve intonation. Through repeated practice, students can gradually master the accuracy of pitch and develop sensitivity to pitch. During practice, auxiliary tools such as tuners can be used to help beginners master the correct pitch.

*Practice ear training: Ear training is crucial for mastering accurate intonation. Beginners can listen to more violin performances, especially those by professional musicians, to develop sensitivity to pitch. During practice, beginners can first use tuners to confirm pitch accuracy, and gradually reduce the use of tuners to develop their ear training.

*Pay attention to finger placement: Finger placement is the foundation of violin playing. Correct finger placement can help beginners master accurate pitch. Students should ensure that their fingers are naturally curved, with the fingertips in the correct position, and avoid distorted or inaccurate finger placement.

*Practice slowly: Beginners should start practicing the violin at a slow pace and gradually increase speed. At a slow pace, they can pay more attention to pitch accuracy and ensure that every note is correct. After accuracy improves, they can gradually increase the speed.

*Seek professional guidance: It is best to seek guidance from a professional teacher before learning the violin. Teachers can promptly identify and correct students' intonation problems and help them master accurate intonation more quickly.

19: How do beginners have the correct rhythm?

*Practice basic rhythms: Practicing basic rhythms is an important way to improve rhythm accuracy. Through repeated practice, students can gradually master the accuracy of pitch and cultivate sensitivity to pitch. In the practice process, auxiliary tools such as tuners can be used to help beginners master the correct pitch.

*Practice ear training: Ear training is the key to mastering the correct pitch. Beginners can listen to more violin performances, especially those of professional performers, to cultivate sensitivity to pitch. In the practice process, you can first use a tuner to assist in confirming pitch, and then gradually reduce the time using the tuner to cultivate your ear training.

*Pay attention to fingering: Fingering is the foundation of violin playing, and correct fingering can help beginners master correct pitch. Students should ensure that their fingers bend naturally, and the fingertips fall in the correct position, avoiding distorted or inaccurate fingering.

*Practice slowly: Beginners should start practicing violin slowly and gradually increase speed. At a slow speed, you can pay more attention to pitch and ensure that each note is accurate. When accuracy improves, gradually increase the speed.

*Seek professional guidance: It is best to find a professional teacher to guide your practice before learning the violin. Teachers can promptly identify and correct students' pitch problems and help them master the correct pitch faster.

*Practice basic rhythms: The basic rhythm of the violin is a quarter note. Beginners should start practicing this basic rhythm and gradually learn other types of rhythms, such as half notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes.

*Use a metronome: A metronome is a very useful tool that can help beginners maintain a steady rhythm. Students can use electronic metronomes, mobile applications, etc. to practice and cultivate a sense of correct rhythm.

*Practice bowing: Correct bowing can help the violin play a stable rhythm. Students should learn correct bowing techniques, such as bow length, bow speed, bow pressure, etc., and apply them to the correct rhythm in performance.

*Practice left and right hands simultaneously: Violin playing requires coordination of the left and right hands, so students need to practice both hand techniques simultaneously. Students can use the bow hand to practice right-hand techniques, the left hand to practice left-hand techniques, and then gradually combine them.

*Practice violin repertoire: Practicing violin repertoire is one of the best ways to learn correct rhythm. Students can choose some simple pieces to practice, such as basic exercises and pieces in violin textbooks. In the practice process, they need to constantly correct their rhythm errors until their performance is stable.

20: How do beginners hold the bow correctly?

*Grip position of the bow: Beginners should hold the end of the bow to better control the direction and strength of the bow.

*Finger position: The hand gripping the bow should be relaxed and extended, with fingers naturally curved. The thumb should be placed at the bottom of the bow, and the other four fingers should be placed near the top of the bow, close to the chin rest. The fingers should not be excessively bent or stretched.

*Wrist posture: The wrist should be kept in a natural posture and not overly bent or stretched. Wrist movement should be kept to a minimum range to better control the bow's trajectory and speed.

*Pressure control: Beginners should try to control the pressure of the bow to avoid producing too much or too little pressure. Moderate pressure can produce a clear and expressive sound from the violin.

*Bow hand balance: The hand holding the bow should be balanced and not tilted or shaken. Balancing the bow hand can be achieved by keeping the elbow in a natural downward position.

21: How much should a violin cost?

This depends on multiple factors such as the material, craftsmanship, and maker of the violin. However, generally speaking, beginners can choose a violin for around $200-$500.

To learn more, please refer to:

 "How do you know how much your violin is worth?"

22: What equipment do violin beginners need?

Violin, Bow, Case, Rosin, Shoulder rest, Fingerboard tape, Tuner, Mute, Spare strings, Cleaning cloth.

23: Where should I buy a violin?

You can purchase a violin through a physical violin shop. If you prefer an online violin shop, you can purchase from Fiddlover Violin Shop.

To learn more, please see:

"Should I buy a violin online?"

"How about buying a violin from Fiddlover?"

24: Why are violin bows so expensive?

The price of violin bows varies greatly, ranging from a few tens of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. This is mainly due to the factors of the material, craftsmanship, maker, and brand of the bow. For beginners, the bow that comes with the beginner's kit is sufficient. If a better bow is desired, it can cost around $100-$300.

For more information, please refer to: 

"Why are violin bows so expensive? How much should I spend?"

25: How should I maintain my violin and bow?

You can read the article "Routine care and maintenance of violins and bows" to learn more about how to maintain violins and bows.

26: How should I tune the violin?

*Using a tuner: A tuner is a small device that can be clipped onto the strings of the violin. It can help you determine whether the strings are being played at the correct pitch. Simply clip the tuner onto the string and adjust the tension of the string according to the indicator on the tuner until the pointer points to the correct pitch.

*Using a mobile app: There are now many mobile apps that can help you tune your violin. Simply download an app, place the phone on the body of the violin, play the corresponding string, and the app will automatically detect the pitch and tell you what adjustments need to be made.

*Using a tuning fork: A tuning fork is a tool that emits a specific pitch and can be used to check whether the strings are being played at the correct pitch. Hold the tuning fork in your hand and strike it. Then place it near the string next to the bow and when the string resonates, you will hear the same pitch as the tuning fork.

*Relying on hearing: This method requires some auditory perception and experience. Play a single note and try adjusting your finger position until you find the correct pitch. This takes time and practice to be accurate.

Demonstration of changing violin strings and tuning:

"The Best Violin Beginner's Guide: Strings, Bridges, and Tuning"

27: How often should I replace my bow?

The frequency of changing a violin bow depends on several factors, including:

*Usage frequency: If you use the violin frequently, especially multiple times a day, you may need to replace the bow more often.

*Storage: If the bow is often exposed to damp or extreme temperatures, it may be more prone to damage and require more frequent replacement.

*Usage style: If you use the bow in a more aggressive manner, such as using excessive force or overstretching the bow hair, you may need to replace the bow more often.

Generally, if you practice violin for 1-2 hours a day and store and use the bow properly, you may need to replace it every one to two years. However, this is only a general recommendation and actual situations may vary from person to person. You should replace the bow if you notice the following issues:

*The bow hair cannot be properly straightened or is loose.

*The bow stick is bent or has cracks.

*The decorative parts of the bow are worn or detached.

In summary, paying attention to the use and storage of the bow and replacing it on time when you notice issues can ensure the quality of your performance.

28: How Often Should I Replace Strings?

The frequency of changing violin strings is also determined by usage frequency and storage conditions. Generally speaking, changing the strings every six months to a year is sufficient. 

However, it is important to note that if the strings are damaged or not producing good sound quality, they should be replaced immediately.

29: What is rosin?

For the violin, rosin is necessary to be applied on the bow to produce sound. The raw material for rosin is a type of resin. 

To learn more, please refer to "The Most Complete Guide to Violin Rosin in 2023".

30: What violin pieces are suitable for beginners to practice?

*Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: This is a very simple violin piece, easy to learn, and suitable for beginners to practice. 

*Mary Had a Little Lamb: This is another simple piece, perfect for beginners. 

*Ode to Joy: Although this piece is a bit more difficult than the first two, it is very famous and many simplified versions are suitable for beginners to practice. 

*Amazing Grace: This is a slow-paced piece, suitable for beginners to practice slowly and strengthen their intonation and rhythm control. 

*Can Can: Although this piece is played at a fast tempo, its musical structure is simple and it is very suitable for beginners to practice.

*Minuet in G: This piece is of moderate difficulty and is perfect for beginners to improve their skills and musical perception.