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Enjoy this free fiddle lesson!
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This tune has more than just an odd name, it sounds pretty cool too. It was composed by Steve Rosen in the old-timey style. Although the melody sounds simple, it's got a lot of great bowings that make it fun to play. Watch this video if you want to learn some of the bowing tricks characteristic of old timey fiddling!
Nail the Catfish to the Tree: Sheet Music & TAB
Nail the Catfish to the Tree: Sheet Music & Mando TAB
Nail the Catfish to the Tree: Audio File
Slow Practice - Play Along!
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I started fiddle lessons 4 years ago and I can only play by reading music. I went to an old time fiddle festival in West Virginia and was unable to participate due to my inability to play by ear. Could you please tell me the best way to learn to play tunes without the music?
I’ve just signed on to your site for the free lessons and like it and am considering signing on for the $9.99 / month lessons.
Thanks,
Vivian
Great question Vivian, playing by ear is an important skill for a fiddler to master. The best way to get the hang of playing by ear is to simply force yourself to pick out tunes from records or videos without any sheet music. The process can be slow and painful at first, but the more you do it the more sensitive your ear becomes. That’s why I designed my videos to have close-ups on the left hand. I would recommend that you watch the videos without printing out the sheet music, and just try to learn it by watching and listening to me play it.
I love your lessons Mike – I play and teach Irish style but now I am fascinated with American Styles.
You are a very good teacher and a lovely player.