First Fiddle Tunes

First Fiddle Tunes Overview

What is a fiddle tune?

A fiddle tune, as the name implies, is a tune played on the fiddle...usually. It describes the traditional songs that were brought over by Scots-Irish settlers. These tunes morphed over the years a...

Old Joe Clark

Learning the Melody

In this lesson we'll learn the jam standard, "Old Joe Clark". The melody here is simplified and reflects the lyrics of this tune. Yes, many fiddle tunes originally had lyrics, although most are pl...

D Major Scale Workout

One Octave Scale and Patterns

The majority of fiddle tunes are based on a major scale, some being more minor scale oriented. Knowing scales well helps build strength, dexterity and fretboard knowledge, and all of those things a...

Angelina Baker

Playing a Fiddle Tune in D Major

Now that we are more comfortable with D major, we're adding a little more challenge to the second fiddle tune.

A Major Scale Workout

Two Octave Scale and Patterns

Apply all the lessons learned from the D major workout to this one as well. Remember, play slowly to keep muscles of the hand and finger engaged for strength building. Strive for all notes to be c...

Red Haired Boy

Learning how to play a popular jam tune in the key of A.

A fully fledged fiddle tune with kickoff and ending. This one is full of 16th notes, so you will likely need to move the tempo back to half of what you played on Old Joe Clark. Move it up slowly. ...