I've Always Wanted To Play The Violin

kida · February 2004

<div class="IPBDescription">the instrument thread</div> I've always loved the deep sound of the violin, how passionate it is, and how it makes one feel the music. Is it anything like the guitar? I am pretty sure when you go down the fingerboard the pitch gets higher? Anyways, what I want to know if it is a hard instrument to play and if a guy like me at the age of sixteen is still "young enough."

If anyone has anything to say about violins, guitars, or any type of instrument you play, answer here! (Just if you can, answer my question <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /> )

RPG_Jssmfulhud · February 2004

Starting to play a violin at sixteen is a challenge... And also, you have to be very talented to play a violin. It's actually considered one of the toughest instruments to play on (the queen of instruments).

But don't let that discourage you. If you've got talent... <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' />

Quaunaut · February 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (RPG_Jssmfulhud @ Feb 22 2004, 04:21 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Starting to play a violin at sixteen is a challenge... And also, you have to be very talented to play a violin. It's actually considered one of the toughest instruments to play on (the queen of instruments).

But don't let that discourage you. If you've got talent... <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' />  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
I dunno, its not that hard. I myself am a classical Bass player, and it is much harder than a guitar or bass, but really, is not that hard to learn. Really, if you know how to read the music- its easy as pie. Just learning how to master being able to move the bow fast enough, and practicing enough to get really good at it. Not as hard as people think. I'd play it if I didn't look so funny playing it(a huge guy playing the smallest of the instruments? I'll stick with my bass thats taller than me, thank you)

TheDestroyer · February 2004

Don't worry, you can never bee "too young" to learn an instrument. Back when I was 16, I picked up the bass trombone, and I can play it (of course not perfect).

Heh, I pick up new instruments all the time. Just takes time, practice, and (most of all) dedication.

That_Annoying_Kid · February 2004

I used to play the drums, it was pretty tight

RPG_Jssmfulhud · February 2004

Yes, of course... I always think about going to competitions and playing professionally then... Sorry.

I started playing the guitar at 5 years old, I think, and played it for ten years... So yeah, I started early. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' />

That_Annoying_Kid · February 2004

thats pimped out Jssmfulhud

RPG_Jssmfulhud · February 2004

Err... Thank you? <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

Windelkron · February 2004

since when did the violin sound deep???
bah, even professional violinists... I don't like the way the violin sounds. especially on the third and fourth strings, it sounds so weedy and thin. the string bass is the best string instrument; their awesomeness increases the lower their pitch is.

if you're passionate about the violin, though, go for it. If you are committed enough, it's never too late to start!

my opinion is, though, that you should take up the cello or bass - much more sonorous, beautiful instruments imo.

Gliss · February 2004

I used to play drums and guitar, but I prefer guitar, really. Unless you get VERY good, drums aren't very fun. However, they can give you a good sense of rhythm that you'll need when playing other instruments.

kida, I saw some people playing violin at this festival I went to, and it looks HARD. But the people playing were like 23 or so, and they said they started at 16, so there might be hope for you.

Billy_Silverfish · February 2004

Hmm, I've been wanting to give violins a shot for a few years myself - ever since I fell in love with Dirty Three's music. It does look like a hard and fiddly (no pun intended) instrument to play though, and I've just stuck to the ones I already play. And since I play guitar, bass, cello, piano, and clarinet I think I've got enough to be going on. ^^

Quaunaut · February 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Windelkron @ Feb 22 2004, 05:18 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> since when did the violin sound deep???
bah, even professional violinists... I don't like the way the violin sounds. especially on the third and fourth strings, it sounds so weedy and thin. the string bass is the best string instrument; their awesomeness increases the lower their pitch is.

if you're passionate about the violin, though, go for it. If you are committed enough, it's never too late to start!

my opinion is, though, that you should take up the cello or bass - much more sonorous, beautiful instruments imo.  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
Aw, why thanks Windel.

Best thing if your gonna pick up the bass- don't expect to be doing melodies on ANY song for a long time. Not until you can learn a 6-octive range.

Cello is better if you want a good mix of harmony and melody.

esuna · February 2004

I played the violin for about 8 years or so (Between about 6-14 or something), and while the accomplishments were good, it was painstaking work, to be honest.

It hurts quite a lot when you start, your fingers aren't up to the pressure, your joints get annoyed at being in stupid positions for hours... But it's worth it. It really is a great sounding instrument.

I used to play in several string orchestras, never made it to first seat unfortunately since it was a pretty wide age rage (10-18 i think), so all the older, more accomplished ones took that privalege, but still, sitting there playing in a absolutely huge church or cathedral with fantastic acoustics.... it was just great.

But yeah, anyway, my violin teacher moved away and i couldn't find another one i actually liked, so i called it quits.

But it's never too late to learn, just if you start playing in orchestras and the like, don't be annoyed if you start seeing some really young kids with more talent. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' />

Mullet · February 2004

I played the trumpet in 5th-7th grade... <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif' />

UltimaGecko · February 2004

I used to play the violin, but my vision sucks, so it was a pain in the butt to read the music from the page from 3 feet away. I can't exactly read the music anymore (...I sortof know, I just don't know where to start).

I remember: The violin's strings are G D A E (G being deepest, E being highest). For each finger you put down on a string (in the right spot), it goes up 1 letter (...octave?), so if you have 3 fingers on a string it's supposed to sound like the next string.

Then you've gotta learn to pluck the strings (for some songs), and bounce the bow on the strings quickly (for others). Sure, if I could read from far distances better, and I wasn't lazy, I'd probably still play it...it's not not fun, it's just annoying when your vision sucks <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /> .

I was also under the impression the Viola is smaller and higher than the Violin, thus making the string instruments, from highest to lowest: viola, violin, cello, bass.

Quaunaut · February 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (UltimaGecko @ Feb 22 2004, 06:39 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> I used to play the violin, but my vision sucks, so it was a pain in the butt to read the music from the page from 3 feet away. I can't exactly read the music anymore (...I sortof know, I just don't know where to start).

I remember: The violin's strings are G D A E (G being deepest, E being highest). For each finger you put down on a string (in the right spot), it goes up 1 letter (...octave?), so if you have 3 fingers on a string it's supposed to sound like the next string.

Then you've gotta learn to pluck the strings (for some songs), and bounce the bow on the strings quickly (for others). Sure, if I could read from far distances better, and I wasn't lazy, I'd probably still play it...it's not not fun, it's just annoying when your vision sucks <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /> .

I was also under the impression the Viola is smaller and higher than the Violin, thus making the string instruments, from highest to lowest: viola, violin, cello, bass.  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
OH no.

Viola is 2nd highest. Violin can...hoo boy. Don't even wanna imagine F# on the e string....*ow*

pardzh · February 2004

I played the Trombone for 5 years and I liked it. Just didn't have time.

Now I'm seriously regretting it because all my friends are starting up bands and are proficient with their instruments, while I just get to listen and play roadie to them at their shows.

Woulda been fun to play 'Bone in a ska band too. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' />

Windelkron · February 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Duff-Man @ Feb 23 2004, 03:00 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> I played the Trombone for 5 years and I liked it. Just didn't have time.

Now I'm seriously regretting it because all my friends are starting up bands and are proficient with their instruments, while I just get to listen and play roadie to them at their shows.

Woulda been fun to play 'Bone in a ska band too. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' />  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
why not take it up again? if you learned the basics at any time in your life, you'd be suprised how fast it comes back.

kida · February 2004

Thanks for the advice guys, you're gre--aaat!

Shzar · February 2004

Been playing trombone since grade 7, and I am now in my second year of College, studying to become a music educator. I wub my trombone <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /> . It's a very flexible instrument, capable of playing lyrical and sonorous, or brassy and agitated, and over a large range, too. It's too bad that there's not much repertoire for solo trombone.

Phoenix_Six · February 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Shzar @ Feb 23 2004, 12:16 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Been playing trombone since grade 7, and I am now in my second year of College, studying to become a music educator. I wub my trombone. It's a very flexible instrument, capable of playing lyrical and sonorous, or brassy and agitated, and over a large range, too. It's too bad that there's not much repertoire for solo trombone.</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
If you haven't heard of him already, Hugh Fraser is a really cool jazz trombonist - I had the priviledge of seeing him live once and his solo work might serve as some inspiration to you - I was blown away with what he was doing, and until then had no idea a trombone could do <i>that</i>.

Personally, I think the trumpet is the coolest instrument, followed closely by the piano or violin. But I'm as biased as they come when it comes to that. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

I find when you're just starting out or relearning the instrument after a long break, you don't want people to hear you play. Finding a well soundproofed or isolated spot to just play and mess around is a biggie to give yourself the time and opportunity to practice. Unfortunately the appartment building I'm in has poor soundproofing and lots of seniors who complain about a mid-loud TV, let alone some poor shmuck trying to blast out the screaming trumpet sections in the Cowboy Bebop intro <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' />

I've Always Wanted To Play The Violin

Comments